Feb. 16, 2008

PRINCETON, N.J. - The Bucknell women's water polo team had a chance to pull off its first victory over a nationally ranked team since 2006, but the Bison fell to No. 6 San Diego State, 13-8, Saturday afternoon in their second game of the day at the Princeton Invitational. Shana Palencia and Kandis Canonica led Bucknell with two goals apiece.

The loss was the first of the season for Bucknell, which won its first six games to set a program record for most consecutive victories to start a campaign. It is now 6-1 this year, but has lost 14 consecutive games to ranked foes. Its last victory over a ranked opponent was against Indiana at the 2006 Eastern Championship.

The Bison came from behind to tie the game at 8-8 in the third quarter, but the Aztecs tallied five unanswered goals to end the contest. Bucknell trailed 4-1 at the end of the first quarter, and after playing the second quarter even (3-3), it outscored San Diego State 4-2 in the third frame. Valentina Rozas netted the game-tying score off a pass from Palencia with about three minutes left in the period. However, that was the final goal of the game for the Bison.

Canonica, who tallied five points earlier the day in a 14-5 win over Siena, led the team with four points (2g, 2a). Palencia and Meagan Gins, who registered one goal and tied for the team high with two assists, had three points apiece.

Once again, goalkeepers Alison Carter and Rachel McGillis split time, with Carter earning her sixth start of the year. Carter made three saves while playing the first half. McGillis registered five saves, including a pair of five-meter penalty shots.

Bucknell was strong in six-on-five situations, scoring five times in eight chances. However, the Bison did play much of the game without Aubrey Rowe, who picked up her third ejection in the second quarter.

The Bison will wrap up play at the Princeton Invitational Sunday. They will face No. 15 Michigan at 8 a.m. and No. 18 Indiana at 1:50 p.m.

BUCKNELL               1 3 4 0 -8
SAN DIEGO STATE   4 3 2 4 -13

Goals: Palencia (2), Canonica (2), Gins, Rozas, Prickett, Allen.
Assists: Gins (2), Swoyer (2), Canonica (2), Palencia, McGillis.
Ejections Drawn: Allen (5), Rozas (2), Canonica.
Saves: Carter (3 svs., 7 ga., 16:00 min.), McGillis (5 svs., 6 ga., 16:00 min.).
Steals: Gins (3), Canonica (3), Allen (2), Carter (2), Palencia, Swoyer, Prickett.
Sprints: Palencia (2-2), Canonica (0-2).
Record: 6-1