Concordia's historic season comes to a close on national stage

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Wagner University held off a second-half rally from Concordia University Irvine to secure a 10-8 victory in the Opening Round of the National Collegiate Women's Water Polo Championship.

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) champion Seahawks jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first quarter. The WWPA champion Golden Eagles responded, trimming the deficit to 7-4 by halftime after Alexa De Villiers, Sierrah Ferguson, and Anna Tyukasz found the back of the net.

Concordia controlled the third period, outscoring Wagner 3-1. A 5-meter penalty shot by senior Hannah Edwards, accompanied by additional goals from Tyukasz and Ferguson, pulled CUI within one, making it 8-7 heading into the final quarter.

Kennedy Brubaker scored midway through the fourth to keep the Golden Eagles within one at 9-8. However, Wagner answered with a timely goal on the ensuing possession to push the lead back to two and secure the victory.

Ferguson led the CUI offense with three goals, while Tyukasz added two. Defensively, WWPA Goalkeeper of the Year Jaden Soto recorded 12 saves and multiple steals to anchor the Golden Eagles.

Concordia concludes its season with a 20-10 record.