Wheaton, Ill. - The Wheaton College water polo team kicked off the Wheaton Invitational on Friday with an 18-7 loss to Cal State East Bay and a 10-8 loss to Carthage College.

In the first match, Cal State East Bay won 18-7. The defending national champs scored steadily throughout the match and took a 6-2 lead after the first period. Liz Warren did the most damage as she scored six goals for East Bay.

Wheaton's offense was led by Emma Higgins and Heather Crockett with two goals each.

The Thunder's second match came against conference foe Carthage College, marking the third time the two teams have played each other so far this year.

The game was close throughout as Wheaton stayed within one goal all the way into the fourth period, when Carthage scored two straight and held on for a 10-8 victory.

Crockett provided most of the offense with a five goals while Higgins scored the other three goals. The Thunder are now 2-8 on the season.

In the day's other match, Cal State East Bay defeated Carthage 16-9.

The Wheaton Invitational continues at 8:00 AM on Saturday with matches throughout the day. The Thunder will play at 9:15 AM and 2:30 PM.