IRVINE, Calif. – The sixth-ranked University of Hawai'i women's water polo team (13-8, 2-2 Big West Conference) fell just short to No. 5 UC Irvine (17-6, 3-0 BWC), 6-7 Saturday afternoon at the Anteater Aquatics Complex.
The Rainbow Wahine recovered from a first half shut-out, exploding for four goals in the third quarter and two more in the fourth to cut the Anteaters' lead down to just one-point. With just 13 seconds remaining, UH gained the final possession and the opportunity to tie it, but UCI goalie Jillian Yocum blocked the Rainbow Wahine's last attempt in the 'Eaters' favor.
Junior
Paula Chillida Esforzado led the Rainbow Wahine with two goals, while
Chloe Barr,
Claire Nixon,
Zoe Respondek and
Emily Carr contributed one each.
Midway through the third quarter, Chillida Esforzado finally ended a silent 40-minutes, scoring UH's first goal of the afternoon. After matching the 'Eaters goal-for-goal to follow, Barr found the net with five seconds on the clock, cutting the deficit down to just two points going into the fourth.
UCI was able to get just one more goal in to open the final quarter before the Rainbow Wahine pulled off a 2-0 advantage. However, with time winding down, it was not enough to pull ahead.
The Rainbow Wahine will play their final regular-season Big West match of the year on Sunday morning against No. 12 Long Beach State and will head to Occidental college in the afternoon. The pair of matches will be UH's final two before returning home to host the Big West Conference Championships, April 24-26 at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatics Complex.
No. 6 HAWAI'I 6, No. 5 UC IRVINE 7April 11, 2015
Anteater Aquatics Complex
UH goals: Paula Chillida Esforzado (2), Claire Nixon, Chloe Barr, Zoe Respondek, Emily CarrUCI goals: Danielle Warde (2), Mary Brooks, Mackenzie Milliam, Hanna Lancaster, McKenna Mitchell, Gabby Pierandozzi
Saves: Jillian Yocum (UCI) – 10;
Ymane Hage (UH) – 8
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