The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Water Polo Team concluded its 2026 season on Sunday, Mar. 29, with a 19-9 defeat against Long Island University (LIU) at the VMI Aquatic Center.
Despite the loss, VMI finished the season with a record of 7-14. This marks the first time since the 2019-2020 campaign that the program has secured seven or more wins in consecutive seasons.
During Sunday’s match, Sydney Smith, Hollie Sauceda, and Makynna Smith each scored two goals for VMI. Additional goals came from Noa Ziv, Meagan Riding, and Sadie Smith. All three goalkeepers on the roster saw playing time in the final game.
The contest began with LIU taking an early lead of 2-0 before Sydney Smith and Meagan Riding leveled the score at 2-2. The Sharks regained their advantage before Ziv tied it again at 3-3. By the end of the first quarter, LIU led by two goals and maintained their momentum throughout, ultimately expanding their lead in the third quarter to secure a comfortable win.
Although VMI did not finish with a winning record this year, achieving back-to-back seasons with seven or more victories is seen as progress for the program.
