Wagner Wins the 2015 MAAC Water Polo Championship
MAAC Sports
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Second-seed Wagner College won its second consecutive and fifth overall Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Water Polo title by defeating top-seed Marist College, 10-8, in the championship game of the 2015 MAAC Water Polo Championship, held at Marist College’s McCann Natatorium.
Wagner scored three of the games first four goals, holding a 3-1 lead late into the first period. Marist responded by scoring goals with 25 seconds and 5 seconds left in the first frame to even the contest at 3-3 heading into the second period. Wagner’s defense held strong in the second period, keeping Marist off of the board and taking a 5-3 lead into the break. Marist outscored Wagner 3-2 in the third period making the match 7-6 in the third but Wagner answered in the fourth and final period with a 3-2 edge clinching the title 10-8 and securing back-to-back championships.
Jess Lundgren led Wagner with three goals, while Jessica Burdge, Lily Doerfler, and Meghan Rodriguez each scored two. Elise Begg recorded one goal for Wagner.
Both Jessica Hamby and Ann-Lena Hathway led Marist with three goals apiece. Allison Hamby and Hannah Levien scored one goal apiece for the Red Foxes.
Rodriguez was named the championship Most Valuable Player. The All-Championship team members include Julie Conrath of Villanova, Taylor Silva of Iona, Skyler Henry and Jess Hamby of Marist, and Lundgren and Doerfler of Wagner.
Wagner receives the leagues automatic berth to the NCAA Division I Women's Water Polo Championship play in game. The selection show will take place on Monday, April 27.
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Recap:
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1st
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2nd
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3rd
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4th
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Final
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Wagner (25-8, 10-2 MAAC)
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3
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2
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2
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3
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10
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Marist (20-14, 11-1 MAAC)
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3
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0
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3
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2
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8
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Goals:
Wagner – Jess Lundgren 3, Jessica Burdge 2, Lily Doerfler 2, Meghan Rodriguez 2, Elise Begg 1
Marist –Jessica Hamby 3, Ann-Lena Hathway 3, Allison Hamby 1, Hannah Levien 1