HONOLULU- The University of Hawaii Water Polo team dropped a 5-3 decision to No. 5 California, Tuesday night in a Moutain Pacific Sports Federation match at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. The Rainbow Wahine drop to 4-9, 2-3 MPSF.

Cal got on the scoreboard first, a minute into the match with a goal by Ashley Miller. The Rainbow Wahine answered back with a goal by Kristy Bagnall at the 4:45 mark of the first period. With time winding down the Bears' Jodie Needles scored the first of her two goals, giving Cal a 2-1 lead.

Both teams only allowed one goal each late in the second period. Allison Gold scored for the Golden Bears, while Beth Novick had Hawaii's lone goal.

California took a two goal advantage in the third period. Hawaii's leading scorer Karin van Hoff kept the Rainbow Wahine in striking distance with her team leading 15th goal of the season. UH failed to score in the final period despite two would-be goals that hit the crossbar, giving California the 5-3 win.

The Rainbow Wahine return to MPSF play Thursday as they take on No. 4 Long Beach State at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. The 'Bows have a big weekend ahead, as they prepare for the Rainbow Challenge Water Polo Invitational, Friday, Mar. 28-29.

Team 1 -2 -3 -4 -Total
California 2-1-2-0-5
Hawaii 1-1-1-0-3
California Scoring: Jodie Needles-2, Ashley Miller, Allison Gold, Courtney Devenish
Hawaii Scoring: Kristy Bagnall, Karin van Hoff, Beth Novick
Goalie Saves: Lauren Dennis-10 (California); Amber Lumb-9(Hawaii);