PRINCETON, N.J. — The Long Island University women's water polo team capped the weekend at the Princeton Invitational battling a pair of ranked opponents at DeNuzio Pool on Sunday afternoon. The Sharks opened the day with a 17-5 setback to 22nd ranked San Diego State before closing out the tournament with a 13-9 loss to 21st ranked Princeton.


GAME 1 - SDSU 17, LIU 5

The Aztecs stormed out of the gate, notching seven goals in the first quarter while holding the Sharks scoreless. LIU got on the board late in the second quarter with back-to-back scores from rookies Jeannet Garcia and Alejandra Aranguren but a two goal closing stretch by San Diego State brought the score to 11-2 at the half.

LIU held the advantage on goals in the third quarter, outscoring the Aztecs 3-2 in the frame. San Diego State recorded a clean sheet in the final quarter holding the Sharks off the scoreboard while finding the back of the cage four times to earn the 17-5 victory.

Garcia picked up a multi-goal game leading LIU with two goals against the Aztecs. Freshman Annie Solsky registered a team-high two assists. Freshman Julia Zebak recorded nine saves in the cage for the Sharks and picked up a pair of steals.

Game 2 - Princeton 13, LIU 9

Princeton opened the tournament finale with two straight goals in the first quarter. Freshman Kate Fischer netted the first goal of the game for the Sharks at the 1:47 mark in the opening quarter. The second quarter was back-and-forth with Princeton hanging on to a two goal advantage with 1:42 remaining in the half. Garcia and freshman Jessica Dean netted goals in the final minute to put the score tied at four at halftime.

The Tigers held a slight 3-2 advantage on goals in the third quarter for the 7-6 lead heading into the final quarter. Princeton's offense didn't let up in the fourth, outscoring the Sharks 6-3 in the frame to earn the 13-9 win.

Dean led LIU with four goals against the Tigers and won four sprints. The Sharks registered an assist on all nine goals with Aranguren, Fischer, Garcia and all recording two assists each.

Garcia and freshman Erin Pascual registered two steals respectively to lead the LIU defense. Zebak totaled 12 saves against Princeton and recorded a pair of steals.

UP NEXT

The Sharks head up north for the Courtney Fisher Invite on Saturday, February 22. LIU will take on a pair of MAAC foes in Siena and Marist. The Sharks square off with the Saints at 1:00 p.m. before concluding the tournament against the Red Foxes at 7:15 p.m.