Scoresheet

WHITTIER, Calif. – The No. 7 University of Hawai'i water polo team (7-4) opened their current road trip by dominating the Whittier Poets (2-4), 22-7, Wednesday afternoon at the Lillian Slade Aquatics Center in Whittier, Calif.

After a two-and-a-half week hiatus, the Rainbow Wahine returned to action, dictating the action offensively with sophomore Femke Aan leading all scorers on a five-goal performance. Another 10 Rainbow Wahine players contributed offensively with freshman Maartje Keuning, sophomore Irene Gonzalez and senior Nikki-Marie Bell each recording a hat trick.

Hawai'i was hot from the get-go, outscoring Whittier by five in the first period. Gonzalez notched the first goal of the afternoon, but Zyania Morales quickly countered for the Poets. The 'Bows responded with a five-score run via Aan, Bell, senior Taylor Molde, and redshirt juniors Chloe Barr and Claire Nixon. Whittier's Morales put an end to the run with her second goal, but Aan countered with 30 seconds remaining in the period, granting the 'Bows a 7-2 lead at the end of the first period.

Hawai'i continued their offensive attack in the second, while holding the Poets to just one goal. Whittier's Jenel Rivera quickly netted the first goal of the period to bring the Poets within four. However, the 'Bows then launched another five-score run to close out the first half, with Aan contributing three of the goals in the period to deliver her hat trick. Hawai'i's lead ballooned to nine, holding a 12-3 margin over the Poets at halftime.

Whittier's Morales tried to get their offense rolling, netting two goals in the third. However, the Rainbow Wahine offense quickly heated up, responding with four goals in the period, and extending their lead to 11.

Extending their offensive outburst, the Rainbow Wahine outscored the Poets 6-2 in the final quarter. Barr opened the period with her second goal of the afternoon, however Kendyl Riley countered on the next play for Whittier. Hawai'i responded with another five consecutive goals to put the match well out of reach for the Poets. Whittier's Hannah Rodriguez netted the final goal of the afternoon with 1:05 left on the clock, but the 'Bows were too much to overcome, defeating the Poets with a final margin of 22-7; the largest of the 2017 season.

The Rainbow Wahine will have one day of rest before heading to Irvine, Calif. for the 2017 Barbara Kalbus Invitational, hosted by UC Irvine, from Feb. 24-26.

Scoring by Quarters:
Hawai'i:                  7               5               4               6
Whitter:                  2               1               2               2
UH Scoring: Femke Aan 5, Nikki-Marie Bell 3, Irene Gonzalez 3, Maartje Keuning 3, Chloe Barr 2, Danika Kotylak 2, Samantha Malouff 1, Gabi Mantellato 1, Taylor Molde 1, Claire Nixon 1
Whittier Scoring: Zyania Morales 4, Kendyl Riley 1, Jenel Rivera 1, Hannah Rodriguez 1