April 18, 2010

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The Marist water polo team clinched its third MAAC Water Polo League regular-season title in four years Sunday at Wagner, defeating Iona 13-10 before a 12-9 loss to the host Seahawks to wrap up the regular season 9-1 in conference and 16-14 overall. Seniors Kristen Barnett (Houston, Texas) and Samantha Swartz (Harleysville, Pa.) had three goals each in Marist's win over the Gaels.

Marist opened the day bright and early with a 9 a.m. game against Iona. The Red Foxes came ready to play, shutting out the Gaels 6-0 in the first quarter. Iona cut into Marist's lead with six goals in the second, but the Red Foxes added three tallies to take a 9-6 lead into halftime. Marist scored two goals in both the third and fourth quarters for the 13-10 win.

The Red Foxes then closed the day with a game against Wagner. After playing to a 2-2 tie in the first quarter, the Seahawks scored five in the second to take a 7-4 lead. Wagner led 10-6 after the third when the Red Foxes attempted a fourth quarter comeback. Marist scored three goals in the fourth, but Wagner added a pair of tallies for the 12-9 win. Rachel Sunday (Carlisle, Pa.) led Marist with three goals, as Swartz added a pair of goals.

Marist will host the 2010 MAAC Water Polo Championships April 24-25 at the McCann Center Natatorium. The Red Foxes will be the top-seed, in search of its third consecutive tournament title. Marist will take on fourth-seeded Siena Saturday at 1 p.m.

Iona 0-6-1-3=10
Marist 6-3-2-2=13

Goals: Barnett 3, Rampton 2, Pauli 2, Desaulniers 1, St. Omer Roy 1, Swartz 3

Wagner 2-5-3-2=12
Marist 2-2-2-3=9

Goals: Sunday 3, Barnett 1, Rampton 1, Desaulniers 1, St. Omer Roy 1, Swartz 2