ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Grove City College women's water polo team opened the 2026 season Saturday by facing Midwest powers Macalester and Augustana (Ill.) at the Macalester Invitational in the Riley Pool. The hosts downed Grove City in the lidlifter, 21-7, while Augustana secured a 24-7 victory in Saturday's second matchup. 

Junior Shastyn Tihansky (Hazleton, Pa./Hazleton) fired in three goals for Grove City in the opener against Macalester. Senior Kiley Sill (Virginia Beach, Va./Princess Anne) and sophomore Frances Baksa (Longwood, Fla./Lake Mary) each added two goals. 

Senior Candace Scalise (Clarence, N.Y./Clarence) assisted on two goals. Baksa and Sill both had assists, as did freshman Amelia Hervey (Naperville, Ill./Metea Valley). 

Tihansky led the defense with four steals. Sill had three thefts. Senior Lea Steen (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) made two saves in goal. 

Tihansky also scored three goals against Augustana. Baksa scored twice while sophomore Emma Strahorn (Harleysville, Pa./North Penn) chipped in a goal and two assists. Sill also recorded an assist. 

Baska and Tihansky both chalked up three steals. Steen made three saves. 

Grove City will face Virginia Military Institute and Carthage in the second day of action at Macalester.