Augustana Tops 'Roos in CWPA Title Game

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Austin College women's water polo team fell in a big hole early and was unable to make a comeback in the CWPA Division III championship game, falling to top-seeded Augustana 16-8. By finishing as the runner-up in the CWPA, the 'Roos have clinched a berth into the national Final Four, which will be hosted by Augustana on March 6-7.

Augustana built a 3-0 lead before Kylee Noble got the 'Roos on the board, but Austin College would find itself trailing 5-1 after the first quarter. Augustana built its lead out to 9-3 at halftime, with Katherine Cox and Sammi Thiele each finding the back of the cage in the second quarter. Austin College came out strong in the third, getting two goals from Lauren Olivier and one from Cory McGrath to pull to within three at 9-6 with 2:52 left in the third. Augustana responded with three goals in the final two minutes of the period to go into the fourth leading 12-6. Cox and Ashley Chand each tallied in the fourth.

Erin McCormack made 12 blocks in goal for Austin College on her way to being named second team All-Tournament. She was joined on the second team by Aubrey Pasky, while Olivier and McGrath were each named first team All-Tournament for their outstanding performances.