The Varsity Blues women's water polo team scored two impressive wins against NCWP competition on Day 1 of the Queens Invitational (Nov. 3) in Kingston, Ont.

With seven regulars (including three starters) unavailable due to injury and illness, Blues head coach George Gross, Jr., was forced to activate both back up goalies to play in the field.

The Blues employed a smothering press defence to create turnovers leading to numerous counterattack goals.

Blues 14, McGill  3

With a completely restructured lineup, the Blues predictably lacked cohesion in the opening quarter but still managed to get out in front, 2-1. The press defence paid dividends in the second quarter as the Blues outscored the Martlets 6-1 to take a commanding 8-2 halftime lead.

The defence tightened up even further and assistant captain Rachael Jaffe (Irvine, California) posted a shut out quarter in net.  The counterattack struck for four more goals to leave the Blues up 12-2 entering the final frame.

Sophomore back-up goalie Amber Masse (San Jose, California) enjoyed the switch into the field, netting a hat trick along with freshman Emily Grossman (Santa Clara, California). Freshmen Katie Smith (Chestermere, Alberta) and Sarah Wentling (Mohnton, Pennsylvania) each scored twice.  Juniors Rhianna Wood (Calgary) and third-string goalie Maddie Hertz (Miami, Florida) and freshmen Allie Vas (Yorba Linda, California) and Sara Sutherland (Regina) added singles. 

Blues 16, Ottawa  1
Jaffe backstopped the Blues defence to a first-half shut out and the offence exploded for seven first-quarter goals setting up a dominating win.

Sutherland had another monster game on the counterattack and accounted for seven goals to pace the Blues.  Wood had a strong game, notching a hat trick and several steals in the defensive zone.  Smith popped in a pair of goals.  Junior Masa Stojanovic (Toronto) scored her first goal of the season and Vas, Wentling and Grossman added singles.

The Blues conclude the tournament on  Sunday with a pair of games against Carleton and Queen's.

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