HONOLULU -- Riding a five-match unbeaten streak, the University of Hawai`i water polo team easily handled Brazil, 17-4, and New Zealand 1, 8-6, Tuesday afternoon at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. While the exhibition matches do not count towards Hawai`i's record, the back-to-back wins give the Rainbow Wahine momentum going into this weekend's Hawai`i Classic Invitational.
Hawai`i used their size and speed advantage to dominate the match with Brazil, as seven Rainbow Wahine scored at least one goal. In notching a season-high 17 goals, Hawai`i's Tracy Andersen, Colleen Schiman, and Tamara Molina set career-highs for goals in a match, while Kimberly Bennett and Mari Yogi both collected their first goals of the season. Goalie Leanna Hahn backed up the Rainbow Wahine with 10 saves, to go with a steal and an assist.
In the afternoon match, Hawai`i took a 2-0 lead before giving up three straight New Zealand goals to fall behind 3-2 at the start of the second period. Tightening up their 2-meter defense, Hawai`i gained control of the match behind three power play goals to hold a 5-3 advantage at halftime.
New Zealand took the scoring to the perimeter, and back-to-back outside goals by Amy Logan left Hawai`i with a one-goal deficit in the final period. Behind the defensive efforts of Hahn, who collected 4 saves off the bench, and a 3-0 run capped off by Makana Whitford's third goal, Hawai`i closed the door on New Zealand's comeback hopes.
Hawai`i enjoys a day off tomorrow, resting for Thursday's MPSF match with No. 10 UC Santa Barbara at the DKAC. The match is slated for a 6 pm start, and admission is free.
Hawai`i vs. Brazil
Team-1-2-3-4-F
Hawai`i-4-5-3-5-17
Brazil-0-2-1-2-5
Hawai`i Scoring: Tracy Andersen 4, Colleen Schiman 4, Tamara Molina 3, Kristy Bagnall 2, Danielle Mulford 2, Kimberly Bennett, Mari Yogi
Brazil Scoring: Cecilia Canetti 2, Roberta Marcondes 2, Manuela Garcia
Goalie Saves: Leanna Hahn (Hawai`i) 10, Manuela Canetti (Brazil) N/A
Hawai`i vs. New Zealand 1
Team-1-2-3-4-F
Hawai`i-2-3-1-2-8
New Zealand-1-2-1-3-0-6
Hawai`i Scoring: Makana Whitford 3, Kristy Bagnall, Shannon Carroll, Audrey Harrer, Colleen Schiman, Malia Tarayao
New Zealand 1 Scoring: Amy Logan 3, Ashleigh Wootton 2, Anna Sieprath
Goalie Saves: Amber Lumb/Leanna Hahn (Hawai`i) 4, Nichola Ingoe (New Zealand 1) N/A
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