James McClendon, Assistant News Editor 

The Utica College women’s water polo team worked hard to keep its games competitive in the Penn State Behrend Tournament last weekend. However, they came away from the weekend 0-7.

The Pioneers came up short in their first matchup of the tournament with Carthage College by a score of 21-3. Sophomores Krystiana Rehrig and Liz Schonhiutt scored the three goals for the Pioneers. On defense, freshman Michalyn Winkler had 13 saves on the day.

In the second game of the day, the Pioneers fell to Washington and Jefferson College 19-3. The three goals were netted by Rehrig and Schonhiutt. Winkler also added 14 saves.

In the third game of the first day of the tournament, the Pioneers kept the score close, only losing 17-12 against Grove City College. Rehrig and Schonhiutt again led the scoring for the Pioneers, as each scored three goals.

UC lost two more games on the second day of the tournament.

Its first matchup with Monmouth College ended with a score of 11-4.

Freshman Hnyla Sloan led the Pioneers, scoring two goals, while Rehrig and Schonhiutt each put in a goal of their own. Winkler had a great day in goal, adding 19 saves.

In the second game, the Pioneers faced tournament host Penn State Behrend University. UC lost by a score of 11-5.

Rehrig led the scoring for the Pioneers, finding the net three times. Winkler had another impressive game in goal, racking up 14 saves.

The final day of the tournament was also disappointing for the Pioneers as they dropped two games to Macalester College and Connecticut College.

In their first game, the Pioneers lost by a score of 12-3.

Sloan did all the scoring for the Pioneers as she scored three goals. Winkler had 17 saves to help the Utica defense.

The final game of the tournament put the Pioneers against the defending national champions. The Pioneers kept it close, only losing 8-6.

The scoring was spread around, with five different players getting in on the action. Rehrig netted two goals while Schonhiutt, Kelly, Sloan and sophomore Megan Stanton all contributed goals of their own.

Winkler protected the goal with her 17 saves and 3 steals.

While the results of this tournament were not what the Pioneers were hoping for, the team has worked hard to get better each contest.

“Our team has grown so much and I am so proud of them.” Rehrig said. “The fact that everyone on this team is trying their hardest to make this season worthwhile is the most rewarding part.”

One of the positives that was taken from this tournament is that it helped strengthen the bond already felt by this team.

“My goal for the team was that we learn to play more together,” Sloan said. “And last weekend we got closer together after every game we played.”

The Pioneers will have an extended rest as they prepare for the CWPA Division III Championships on April 16 and 17. The event will be hosted by Connecticut College.