WWP 0208
13
Winner McKendree McK (10-19, 1-3 WWPA)
12
Gannon GAN (9-12, 1-3 WWPA)
Winner
McKendree McK
(10-19, 1-3 WWPA)
13
Final
12
Gannon GAN
(9-12, 1-3 WWPA)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
McKendree McK 3 4 4 2 13
Gannon GAN 5 1 3 3 12

Game Recap: Women's Water Polo | | By Isaac Petkac, Director of Communications & Creative Content

Golden Knights Fall to McKendree to Close Tournament, Martinez Named to WWPA 2nd Team All-Tournament

THE GAME FACTS
Final Score: McKendree 13, Gannon 12
Record: Gannon (9-11)
Location: Irvine, Calif. – William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center

IRVINE, Calif. — The Gannon women's water polo team battled throughout and held an early lead, but a late push by McKendree proved to be the difference as the Golden Knights dropped a 13-12 decision in the WWPA round robin Sunday morning at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center.

Gannon closes the season at 9-11 overall.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Gannon came out strong in the opening period, scoring five goals to take a 5-3 lead after one. Claudia Orte Blanch (Madrid, Spain/IES Profesor Maximo Trueba) and Maria Martinez (Barcelona, Spain/Jesuïtes Gràcia Col·legi Kostka) led the early charge, helping the Golden Knights build momentum.

McKendree responded in the second quarter, outscoring Gannon 4-1 to take a narrow 7-6 lead into halftime.

The Bearcats extended their advantage in the third quarter with a 4-3 edge, pushing the lead to 11-9 heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, McKendree stretched the lead to 12-9 before Gannon mounted a late rally. Goals from Jillian Heinrich (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep), Orte Blanch, and Phoebe Puacz (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley) cut the deficit to one at 13-12 with just over a minute remaining.

Despite the late push, Gannon was unable to find the equalizer in the closing moments as McKendree held on for the one-goal victory.

THE KNIGHT CAP

  • Claudia Orte Blanch (Madrid, Spain/IES Profesor Maximo Trueba): 4 goals, 1 assist, 5 points.
  • Maria Martinez (Barcelona, Spain/Jesuïtes Gràcia Col·legi Kostka): 4 goals on a team-high 10 shots.
  • Early Rally: Gannon scored five goals in the opening quarter to take early control of the match.
  • A Player Up: The Golden Knights converted 6-of-8 power play opportunities (.750), showcasing efficiency on the offensive end.
  • Attacking the Net: Gannon outshot McKendree in efficiency (.462 shooting percentage) despite fewer total attempts.
  • In Goal: Izabella Trunzo (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) recorded 13 saves in goal while playing all 32 minutes.
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Freshman Maria Martinez (Barcelona, Spain/Jesuïtes Gràcia Col·legi Kostka) was named to the WWPA all-tournament second team. 
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