ERIE, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College women's water polo team opened the 2025 season Saturday by splitting two matches at Mercyhurst University's Curtis Robinette Memorial tournament in Hagerty Family Events Center. W&J began the day with a 15-12 victory over the Grove City Wolverines before falling 15-13 in game two against the Gannon Golden Knights.

W&J 15, Grove City 12

Four Presidents racked up a multi-goal first game against the Wolverines. Senior Emma Halle (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) led the offensive with four markers and four steals.

Freshman Emmie Ratcliff (Friendswood, Texas Friendswood) tallied three markers followed closely by sophomore Hallie Ratcliff (Friendswood, Texas Friendswood) and senior Anastacia Didovich (Venice, Fla./Venice) who each netted two goals apiece. Didovich also grabbed three steals.

Mekkiye Ergun (Chicago, Ill./Lake View), Laura Anthony (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria Academy), Sydney Neumann (Long Beach, Calif./Millikan) and Autumn Woollcott (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc) also notched a goal each in the outing.

Alliey Cunningham (Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township) recorded her first win of the season in the net for the Presidents with nine blocks, two assists and two steals.

Gannon 15, W&J 13

The Presidents dropped their second match of the Mercyhurst University's Curtis Robinette Memorial tournament to the Golden Knights by a 15-13 score.

The Red & Black outscored the Golden Knights in the second half and tied the game with just 20 seconds left in regulation, sending the game into overtime. In extra time, the Golden Knights scored on a penalty shot and netted an insurance goal to claim the 15-13 win.

Up Next: W&J will compete in the second day of the weekend tournament at Mercyhurst, starting with a 10:30 a.m. contest against the hosting Lakers. The Presidents then conclude the tournament with a 1:30 p.m. match against Penn State Behrend.