In a thrilling conclusion to its regular season, the water polo team defeated Salem, 15-7, in West Virginia on April 20.
The team opened the match with three quick goals in the first quarter, including two from senior Emese Szucs. Salem fought back with two goals of its own and the Flash led, 3-2, after one quarter.
The Red Flash continued to execute offensively in the second quarter, outscoring Salem 4-1. Caylah Olay scored two goals, including one on a power play.
Kayla Rhoads set up Lucy Willis for another goal, and Olay’s fourth goal of the game gave SFU a 7-3 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, Szucs took charge, scoring both of Saint Francis’s goals on penalty shots. Olay led the team in scoring with seven goals in the match. Szucs scored four times.
The team showed great teamwork, with six players recording assists.
Defensively, Sarah Hartwell led in steals with three, and Isabel Lumley and Aubrey Miller each had two. Lumley and Grace Raquel combined for 12 saves, with Lumley making eight saves and Raquel recording four.
The Red Flash will compete at the CWPA Championships at Harvard, April 26-28. SFU will open the tournament against the host Crimson on Friday, April 26, at 4 p.m.