The VMI Water Polo team faced tough competition on Sunday, playing against two nationally ranked teams. In the first game, VMI lost 8-24 to No. 20 Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Sophomores Hollie Sauceda and Makynna Smith each scored twice for the Keydets, while Sydney Smith, Meagan Riding, Haley Minnich, and Sadie Smith also contributed goals. Goalkeepers Maddie Day and Ysabel Casillas combined for five saves during the match.
Brown took an early lead of 5-1 after the first quarter and extended their advantage by outscoring VMI 9-3 in the second quarter.
In their second matchup of the day, VMI fell 7-23 to No. 13 Harvard University. Harvard started strong with a 7-0 run in the opening period before VMI managed to score late in the second quarter. The game was more competitive in the second half, with Harvard outscoring VMI by just four goals.
VMI now holds a season record of 6-7 and will begin conference play next weekend against Mount St. Mary’s, La Salle, and Marist.
