Feb. 22 was a difficult day for Bison Women’s Water Polo, as they faced three high-ranked teams: Princeton University, Harvard University and Brown University. These matches were a good challenge for the Orange and Blue, preparing them for facing more conference opponents. 

Olivia Hopper ʼ28 had quite the performance yet again, with a game-high of four goals. Hopper scored twice in the first quarter but was largely overcome by the Princeton Tigers. Gwen Kallmeyer ʼ26 helped out Hopper, with each scoring one goal in the second, but Princeton still led. The third period was harsh with the Tigers outscoring the Bison significantly. In the fourth, Hopper was able to tally one more goal, but Princeton came out on top, with a final score of 19-5. 

The Orange and Blue then faced a difficult match against Harvard. The first quarter consisted of only Harvard scoring. Hopper broke the Crimson’s streak with one goal in the second and another in the third, but Harvard kept racking up the goals, leading the Bison significantly. The Orange and Blue fought back slightly in the fourth quarter with Sidney Finkler ʼ25 and Izzy Lippolis ʼ25 each scoring once more, but Harvard ended the game at 18-4. 

On Feb. 23, the Bison faced Brown University, resulting in a narrow defeat. Hopper led the Bison with a total of five goals. In the first quarter, Brown was on a roll, scoring frequently. Hopper, Lippolis and Boati Motau ʼ25 scored, but Brown returned the fire leading into halftime with a score of 10-3. The third quarter consisted of Hopper scoring multiple goals with the rest of her Bison team not allowing Brown to score any more. Entering into the fourth quarter, the Orange and Blue pushed hard against Brown. Hopper scored two more with twin sister Ashley Hopper ʼ28 tallying on another. Brown returned shots, but Motau and Caitlin Stott ʼ27 scored twice, bringing the match closer with a score of 12-10. The Bison could not continue their momentum, and Brown seized the moment, scoring one more. The final score was 13-10, a Bison loss.

The Bison will travel to California next to take on Long Beach State Tuesday, Mar. 11 at 7 p.m.