BERKELEY, Calif. - A five-goal second quarter helped the No. 7 California Golden Bears to a 13-5 victory over the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine water polo team Friday night, in an early season Mountain Pacific Sports Federation match-up, at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

Four saves by senior goalie Amber Lumb kept the Rainbow Wahine in the match early, but not even junior Beth Novick’s superb four-goal performance could help Hawai‘i (2-1, 1-1 MPSF) break through against the Golden Bears (1-0, 1-0 MPSF). The setback was UH’s first of the season and 11th consecutive to California.

After falling behind 2-0 midway through the first quarter, the Rainbow Wahine used two power play goals by Novick to even the match with 1:17 remaining in the period. Hawai‘i could not keep the momentum in their favor, as California used their size and speed to their advantage during a 6-1 run, leaving UH facing a daunting 8-3 deficit.

Novick’s goal at 4:18 in the third quarter gave the Rainbow Wahine hope, but it was short-lived, as California’s Jodie Needles scored 18 seconds later and put the Golden Bears back up by five. California’s relentless counter-attacks and strong defensive pressure left UH unable to mount a comeback, as the Golden Bears cruised to victory.

The Rainbow Wahine must recover quickly, as they face a full slate of games this weekend, Feb. 8-9, at the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto, Calif. Saturday brings a showdown with defending national champion UCLA at 12:00 p.m. PST, followed by a 7:00 p.m. PST contest against the Broncos of Santa Clara.


Game Summary
1-2-3-4=Total
Hawai‘i 2-1-1-1=5
California 3-5-2-3=13

Hawai‘i Scoring: Beth Novick – 4, Kristy Bagnall – 1
California Scoring: Katie Card – 2, Jodie Needles – 2, Elsie Windes – 2, Breana Allison, Cara Chlebicki, Shaina Feldman, Allison Gold, Brittani Llorente, Natalie Nelson, Lindy Spieker
Goalie Saves: Amber Lumb – Hawai‘i (4), Lauren Dennis – California (N/A)



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