No. 12 Women's Water Polo Rallies To Drop No. 25 Villanova, 14-9

Thursday, February 19

Villanova, Pa.

7:00 PM

Princeton University

#25 Villanova

Ava Houlahan had seven points in the win.

No. 12 Women's Water Polo Rallies To Drop No. 25 Villanova, 14-9

February 19, 2026 | Women's Water Polo

VILLANOVA – The No. 12 Princeton Women's Water Polo Team rallied to take down the No. 25 Villanova Wildcats, 14-9, at the Villanova Swim Complex on Thursday.
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Trailing by two, Ava Houlahan recorded a goal at the buzzer to cut the Tigers' deficit in half after eight minutes.

After the home team made it 3-1, Princeton ripped off three straight from Shanna Davidson, Houlahan and Emese Batizi but Villanova got one back before half to even the score at 4-all.

Princeton began the third quarter with the first two goals and ended the frame with two consecutive tallies, finishing off a six-goal spurt during that stretch to expand its lead to four, 10-6.

Villanova started the final eight minutes with a goal, but Princeton put the contest away with shots from Olivia Krotts and Ally Lurie that got to the back of the cage to go up five, 12-7, with 4:47 to go.

Houlahan led the Tigers with a hat trick and four helpers while four other Tigers had two goals in the win. Lindsey Lucas dropped in 10 saves for Ellingson's squad.

Princeton starts CWPA play on Saturday vs. Mercyhurst (11:30 am) and Bucknell (4:30 p.m.).

Goals: Houlahan 3, Davidson 2, Evans 2, Golub 2, Batizi 2, Lurie, Krotts, Wyer
Assists: Houlahan 4, Lurie 2, Harbilas, Evans, Batizi, Riches, Davidson, Lurie
Saves: Lucas 10