LONG BEACH, CA—The 11th ranked Rainbow Wahine water polo team won both of its matches on day one of the Long Beach Invitational, April 13. Hawai`i beat California Baptist, 9-6, behind a three-goal performance by Erin Kocher. Cal Baptist outscored Hawaii, 2-0, in the first period, but the Rainbow Wahine tied the game, 5-5, by the half. Cal Baptist took the lead again in the third quarter, but Hawaii scored four unanswered goals to win in the fourth. Tessa Curti had two goals, and Karin Van Hoff, Darcy Scott-Hosaka, Beth Novick and Chelsea Garner-Prohs each had one goal.

In the second match of the day, Hawai`i defeated UC Santa Cruz, 10-5. Miria Whitford scored three times to lead the Rainbow Wahine. Tracy Andersen had two goals, while Erin Kocher, Tessa Curti, Audrey Harrer, Malia Tarayao, and Beth Novick had one goal each. The Rainbow Wahine entered the second quarter tied, 2-2, with the Banana Slugs, but scored four unanswered goals to take the lead.

Hawai`i improves its overall record to 13-12.

The Rainbow Wahine continue in the Invitational tomorrow