STANFORD, Calif. – As the saying goes, 'there's a first time for everything,' and such was the case for the fourth-ranked University of Hawai'i women's water polo team on the first day the Stanford Invitational. The Rainbow Wahine (5-2) defeated defending national champion and No. 3 UCLA, 13-12, for their first victory over the sport's powerhouse in 33 chances.
In the process, UH snapped UCLA's program-best 43-match win streak and handed the Bruins their first loss since April 14, 2007.
Kelly Mason led UH against with six goals including the eventual game-winner with 2:21 left that put the Rainbow Wahine ahead 13-11. Mason led a furious comeback as Hawai'i outscored UCLA 5-2 in the final period, erasing a 10-8 deficit.
The Bruins led 4-3 after the first quarter and 9-5 at the half before the Rainbow Wahine settled down. A 3-1 third period advantage put them in striking distance.
Dagmar Genee chipped in with three goals for UH while
Ryan Hanson-Swaner added two.
On Sunday, the Rainbow Wahine concludes pool play against San Jose State at 9:10 a.m. PST.
Match Statistics
Hawai'i – 3 2 3 5 = 13
UCLA – 4 5 1 2 = 12
Hawai'i Goal Scorers: - Mason (6), Eggens, Van Der Molen, Genee (3), Hanson-Swaner, Majuri (2)
UCLA Goal Scorers: - Rulon (4), P. Orozco (2), Bresee (2), Gandy (4)
Goalie Saves: - (UH) Bredin (4); - (UCLA) Fullen (5)
Earlier in the day, the Rainbow Wahine defeated the U.S. National Team, 6-5. Team USA kept the score consistently close, but the Rainbow Wahine managed to hold on to the one-point win.
Hawai'i grabbed the lead at half, outscoring Team USA, 3-2. In the second half, both teams put up an even three goals but the Rainbow Wahine were able to hang on for the 6-5 victory.
Leading UH was Hanson-Swaner with three goals while Serina Bredin had five saves in goal.
Match Statistics
Team USA – 1 1 1 2 = 5
Hawai'i – 1 2 1 2 = 6
Team USA Goal Scorers: - Martin, Ochsner, Steffens (2), Sardo
Hawai'i Goal Scorers: - Hanson-Swaner (3), C. Eggens (2), Majuri
Goalie Saves: - (USA) Stuart (2), Milne (4); - (UH) Bredin (5)
-UH-
