Bison Women’s Water Polo opened their home season for 2023 season this past weekend, hosting the Bucknell Invitational. The Orange and Blue battled Michigan and Saint Francis (Pa.) to hard-fought losses on Saturday, Feb. 11, before beating Villanova on Sunday, Feb. 12. The Bison finished the weekend 2-1.

The Orange and Blue opened up the weekend against conference foe, University of Michigan. Ranked No. 9 in the nation, the Wolverines took the lead early in the match, scoring the first three goals. The Bison found the back of the net in the first period off of a Bella Schraa ’26 goal. This was not enough to start a comeback, however, as the Wolverines scored nine more unanswered goals. The match ended 12-1 in favor of Michigan.

The Bison returned to play in the afternoon, taking on another conference competitor, Saint Francis (Pa). Both teams combined for seven goals in the first period, with the Red Flash holding a slight lead 4-3. The Bison were able to regain the lead at 5-4, but the Red Flash closed out the half leading 9-7. While the Orange and Blue battled well into the second half, the Red Flash were able to pull away, beating the Bison 16-11.

The Bison finished the weekend against Villanova on Sunday. The Orange and Blue started the match off strong with a 4-0 run. The Wildcats continued to compete, as the Bison lead narrowed to 5-4 heading into halftime. The game remained close throughout the second half, with an additional nine goals being scored between both teams. It was a penalty shot taken by Boati Motau ’25 that broke the 9-9 tie and led the Bison to a 10-9 victory. 

The Orange and Blue are back on the road next weekend, as they travel to Erie, Pa. to compete in the Curtis Robinette Memorial Tournament. They will first face Iona on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m., followed by a two-game series on Sunday, Feb. 19. The Orange and Blue will begin the day against La Salle at 10:30 a.m. and close out the weekend against St. Francis College, Brooklyn at 2:15 p.m.