The U of T women's water polo team played a tough two game series at Siena College on Saturday and came away with a win and a tie.

On the bus for an early morning departure from the Athletic Centre, the players had to endure a seven hour trip before getting off and jumping straight into the Siena pool for game one of the two-game set.

After opening the scoring early in the first quarter, the Blues gave up a pair of unanswered goals to the Saints and trailed 2-1 heading into the second period.

The Blues then replied with their own pair of unanswered goals to regain the lead before Siena scored late to knot the game 3-3 at half time.

Toronto found a way to go up 4-3 but Siena again replied with a pair of unanswered goals to reclaim a one-goal advantage. However, the Blues fought back to tie things up 5-5 heading into the final frame.

Each team scored once leaving the teams in a 6-6 deadlock at the end.

Second year Hannah Levin paced the Blues' attack with two goals while fourth year co-captain Kaitlyn Palmer, third year Vega Jones, second year Serena Spencer and first year Devon Lynch netted one marker each.

Third year starting goalie Hana Truchla  had an outstanding game making eleven saves and five steals along with stopping a penalty shot.

Following an hour and a half rest, the Blues and Saints were back at it to complete the doubleheader.

The two teams significantly ratcheted up the physical play leading to numerous power play opportunities for both sides.

The Blues jumped on top 2-1 midway through the opening period on goals by fourth year co-captain Lauren Dundee but, much like the first match, Siena replied with two unanswered goals to lead 3-2 entering the second.

The Blues would go on to score the only two goals of the quarter to grab a 4-3 halftime lead.

A seesaw third quarter saw the Blues score twice but have the Saints reply with two of their own each time to go up by one. Then Toronto replied with two of its own to retake the lead before the teams traded goals to end the period with the Blues holding a slim 9-8 advantage.

Siena roared out of the gate with two quick goals to lead 10-9 with three minutes left in the game. Then the Blues tied things up with two minutes remaining before things went crazy. 

Goalie Hana Truchla was penalized for delay of game leaving the Blues to kill the power play without a goalie. Utilizing a somewhat unorthodox approach, the defence held with a blocked shot in front and returned to full strength. With the ball and under a minute to go, the Blues mounted a furious charge but had the ball stolen away. Siena called time out and pulled the goalie up field to set up a 7 on 6 power play. However, great defence allowed the Blues to deflect the ball out of bounds with one second remaining. With the goalie pulled, the Saints' net was empty and Truchla seized the opportunity to shoot the ball the full length of the pool as time expired giving the Blues a thrilling 11-10 victory.

Dundee led the way for the Blues with a hat trick and was matched by fellow co-captain Sarah Wentling. Third year center forward Julia Decaire popped in a pair while Palmer, Levin and Truchla added singles.

The Blues get right back at it on November 6 at home, hosting the Guelph Gryphons at 5:30 p.m.