Big news out of Staten Island—four Wagner College women’s water polo athletes have grabbed major Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference postseason awards. Leading the pack, junior attacker Ana Arias Pérez has been selected as Co-Defensive Player of the Year, a nod to her all-around dominance this season. In total, Wagner placed players on each of the All-MAAC First, Second, and Third Teams, a testament to the program’s expanding influence in New York’s college sports scene.
How did Arias Pérez seal her standout year? She was a force at both ends, tallying 30 goals, 38 assists, and 35 steals, as well as drawing 14 earned exclusions. Her breakout week in March—including an eight-goal showing against Villanova—was a turning point, earning her conference-wide recognition. She now becomes the ninth Seahawk to pick up a defensive honor from the MAAC.
Outstanding Players
Among other top performers: senior captain Magali Ogg landed on the All-MAAC First Team for her critical offensive contributions and steady leadership. Senior goalkeeper Francesca Sena, sharing captain duties, earned Second Team status, thanks to her important saves and commanding presence in goal. Not to be overlooked, junior center Catherine Mentz rounded out Wagner’s honorees with a spot on the Third Team, consistently providing strength and adaptability inside.
Concerns
For Wagner, this cluster of postseason accolades is a big step for the program, indicating depth and leadership for years to come. A roster blending strong veteran captains with talented juniors bodes well for continued success—and will only boost recruitment efforts in NYC and the neighboring areas.
Outstanding Play
On the field, Arias Pérez’s stats tell the story: impact in scoring, assisting, and defense made her a nightmare matchup. Sena’s reliability in the net denied rivals easy scores, while Ogg and Mentz kept opponents on their toes with their offensive and defensive versatility.
The Future
The Seahawks, with top players set to return and new confidence from these honors, are aiming even higher for next season. With leaders like Ogg and Sena and rising stars Arias Pérez and Mentz, Wagner is building a solid foundation for another run at the MAAC title. NYC water polo fans, keep this team on your radar—they’re only getting better!
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