'Roos Outlast Connecticut College in CWPA Opening Round

MOLINE, Ill. - The Austin College women's water polo team entered the CWPA Division III Tournament as the top-seed, and held off a second half comeback attempt by No. 8-seeded Connecticut College on Friday evening in the opening round, coming away with a 13-8 victory. The 'Roos now advance to the semifinals, where they'll take on No. 5-seed and host school Augustana.

Joslyn Dimitri scored four goals to lead Austin College to the win, with Bianca Gallegos chipping in three tallies. Clara Koenig and Camila Diarte each found the back of the cage twice, and Caroline Armstrong and Ashlyn Thomas scored once each. Ashley Easley had a strong performance minding the net, coming away with five saves and a steal, while Mikayla Arimendi and Sophie Johnson each had a pair of assists.

Connecticut College scored the first goal of the game, but Austin College answered with two in a row to finish the first quarter with a 2-1 lead. The margin grew to 7-2 at halftime thanks to a five goal period for the 'Roos, but the Camels outscored Austin College 4-2 in the third to cut it to 9-6 heading into the final frame. However, Austin College took control in the final period, putting four more goals in the net and clamping down defensively to advance to the next round.

Austin College moves on to face two-time defending CWPA Division III champions Augustana, who the 'Roos met in the conference championship in both 2023 and 2024. The 'Roos defeated Augustana in dramatic fashion in their one matchup this year in Sherman, coming away with a 14-13 win.