The No. 6 University of Hawaii women's water polo team returns to the pool when they play five matches in Southern California this week. The Rainbow Wahine (4-2) opened the season by winning four of their first six matches and will be back in action after a nearly three-week layoff.
 
UH starts the trip with a non-conference match at Claremont on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m. PT. The Rainbow Wahine will then participate in the UC Irvine Invitational, Feb. 22-23. UH's opening opponent will be No. 13 UC San Diego on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11:45 a.m. PT. It will be a rematch of last year's NCAA Tournament quarterfinal meeting won handily by the Rainbow Wahine. The 16-team tournament also includes top-5 teams Stanford, UCLA and tournament host UC Irvine.
 
UH is powered by sophomore attacker Paula Chillida Esforzado who leads the team with 13 goals. Meanwhile, senior goalkeeper Amy Carlson has been steady in the cage for the 'Bows, averaging 7.0 saves per match.
 
Match #7
Opponent: Claremont
Date: Thursday, Feb. 20
Time: 7:00 p.m. PT
Location: Axelrood Pool
 
UCI Invitational (Feb. 21-22)
Match #8
Opponent: UC San Diego
Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
Time: 11:45 a.m. PT
Location: Anteaters Aquatic Complex
 
Match #9-11 - TBD