LEWISBURG, Pa. -- The Mercyhurst College women's water polo team closed out the 2011 Bucknell Invitational with a pair of losses to Division I opponents Saturday afternoon at Kinney Natatorium. The Lakers fell to Wagner College, 10-8 in overtime, before dropping a 9-7 decision to Siena College.

In the early game, Mercyhurst (1-2) saw Wagner use a 2-1 run in the fourth quarter to overcome a one-goal deficit and tie the game at 8-8. The Seahawks then netted a goal in the first OT session before ending it with a tally in the second bonus frame.

The Lakers overcame a sluggish start and a 3-1 deficit in the first quarter by outscoring Wagner 3-2 in the second and 3-1 in the third.

Senior Rachel Griepsma led the team with three goals and two drawn ejections. Junior Laura Perez netted two goals and added two steals while sophomore Lisett Calderon dished out three assists. Senior Nicole Nelson registered one goal and two assists, and junior Kimberly Goodhart and freshman Allie Grimes each contributed with single scores.

Junior Hope Rozelle posted 11 saves, one assist and four steals despite suffering the loss.

Later that afternoon against Siena, the Lakers fell behind 5-4 in the second quarter after tying the Saints 3-3 in the opening stanza. Both teams then traded goals in the third to take a 6-5 game into the fourth, where Siena would net three more to seal the win.

This time Perez led the offense by scoring a hat trick. Griepsma added two strikes, and Calderon and Nelson each reeled off one goal and one assist apiece.

Rozelle made nine saves and contributed four steals in goal.

Release courtesy Mercyhurst Athletic Communications