The Loomis Chaffee girl’s varsity water polo team defeated Hamden Hall 15-7 on Wednesday, April 26, to improve to 4-1 on the year.

Having played their last game two weeks ago due to some cancellations, the team had to shake off some rust early in the game and found themselves down 4-2 with just a few minutes left in the first quarter. They gained some momentum, though, thanks to junior captain Jackie Ryckman, who cut the deficit in half when she fired home a buzzer-beating shot to make the score 4-3, and the Pelicans switched sides of the pool looking to stay on the attack.

Loomis attacked the deep-end goal more effectively in the second quarter, with Ryckman tallying once and sophomore Charlotte Furia scoring twice. All the while, sophomore goaltender Aiste Bardauskaite and the entire Pelican defense kept Hamden Hall in check, allowing just two goals in the quarter, bringing the score to 7-6 in favor of Loomis.

Prepared to defend the deep end of the pool, Loomis did an exceptional job in front of Bardauskaite and held its opponent to just one goal in the third quarter. At the same time, the offense found its footing, as Ryckman exploded for five goals and Furia added her third of the day to make the score 13-7 headed into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Pelican defense remained strong while sophomore Meredith Doherty converted once and senior Sydney Hanley tucked in a well-placed shot after a beautiful bit of team play to make the final score 15-7 in favor of the Pelicans.

Bardauskaite finished the game with eight saves and flawless outlet passing. 

Up next, Loomis will host Sacred Heart Greenwich and Exeter on Saturday, April 29, in a double header at Hedges Pool at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively. The games will also serve as the squad’s senior celebration.