ERIE, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College women's water polo team (3-2) dropped its final match of the Curtis Robinette Memorial Invitational to the host Division I Mercyhurst Lakers (4-7), 12-8.
 
Emmie Ratcliff (Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood) led the Presidents in scoring on the day with four goals. Mackenzie Caron (Reading, Pa./Governor Mifflin) wrapped the day with two goals. Riley Gutierrez (Deer Park, Texas/Deer Park) and Autumn Woollcott (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc) each scored one goal.
 
The Lakers came into the first matchup of the morning productive offensively, netting five goals in the first quarter to the Presidents' two. E. Ratcliff scored both of the Presidents' goals in the opening quarter.
 
The W&J defense held the Lakers to one goal prior to the half, outscoring Mercyhurst 2-1. E. Ratcliff and Caron each netted scores in the period as the Presidents entered the half, down 6-4.
 
Out of the break, the Lakers outscored the Presidents 3-2 in the third and fourth quarters to take the 12-8 win. Contributions from Woollcott and Guterriez helped the W&J remain within striking distance in the third. E. Ratcliff and Caron added markers in the fourth quarter before the end of regulation.
 
Lani Weaver (Conroe, Texas/Conroe) picked up six saves in goal with a full game in net for the Presidents.
 
W&J returns to the pool with their first Collegiate Water Polo Association Weekend of the season at Grove City starting on Friday (March 6). The Presidents loom to square off with Grove City at 10:00 a.m. and Penn State Behrend at 2:00 p.m. on Friday to kick off the weekend.