IRVINE, Calif. - The No. 8 University of Hawai'i women's water polo team (8-5, 1-0 Big West) edged past sixth-ranked UC Irvine (13-7, 1-1 Big West) Thursday night at the Aztec Aquatics Complex. UH took home its first-ever Big West victory after ending a sudden-death overtime thriller, 12-11.

The Rainbow Wahine ended the Anteaters' lead in the final minutes of the second overtime. Senior Amarens Genee found the net after UH forced a turnover, sending the match into sudden-death.

UH held off UCI's final attempts in regulation to steal the lead. The Rainbow Wahine were able to hold onto lead by two heading into the fourth quarter after the Anteaters scored five-unanswered goals in the third.

Seniors Monika Eggens and Amarens Genee led the Rainbow Wahine with three goals each while Paula Chillida Esforzado and Emily Carr added two each. Amy Carlson recorded a new season-high of 11 saves for a big win.

Action continues tomorrow for the Rainbow Wahine as they take on No. 9 Long Beach State for their second Big West match-up at 3:00 p.m. PT.

UH 12, UCI 11
UH     2    3    3    2    0    1    1    = 12
UCI    2    3    5    0    0    1    0   = 11

UCI Goals: Croghan (4), Klatt (2), Pierandozzi (2), Shockley, Carlson, Mitchell
UH Goals: Monika Eggens (3), Amarens Genee (3), Paula Esforzado (2), Emily Carr (2), Danielle Lewis, Caity Lopes da Silva

Saves: UCI: Jillian Yocum (9),UH:  Amy Carlson (11)