Scoresheet | Box Score

HONOLULU – The No. 8 University of Hawai'i water polo team (11-9, 2-1 BWC) opened this week's busy slate with a victory against Big West Conference (BWC) opponent, No. 12 UC Santa Barbara (14-8, 0-2 BWC) on Thursday evening at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex (DKAC). 

The Rainbow Wahine started strong, going up 3-1 in the first period. Hawai'i redshirt junior Claire Nixon and sophomore Irene Gonzalez connected on consecutive goals to begin the period. The Gauchos notched their first goal with 28 seconds left, but Nixon countered with her second goal, giving the Rainbow Wahine a two-score lead at the end of the first period.

Hawai'i continued to dominate in the second period, outscoring the Gauchos 2-1 in third period. UCSB tried to find some offensive rhythm, cutting the 'Bows' lead to one to start the period. However, Rainbow Wahine redshirt junior Gabi Mantellato and senior Nikki-Marie Bell responded with back-to-back goals. Hawai'i held a 5-2 advantage at the half.

The Rainbow Wahine were held scoreless in the third quarter, while UCSB notched one goal in the period to cut the Hawai'i lead to two.

However, Hawai'i dominated the fourth quarter, netting three goals and shutting out the Gauchos. Rainbow Wahine sophomores Femke Aan, Carla Abellan and Gonzalez each registered one goal apiece to secure the 8-3 victory for the 'Bows.

The Rainbow Wahine return to action tomorrow evening for a match against No. 3 UCLA at 6:00 p.m. at the DKAC.

Scoring by Quarters
Hawai'i:               3              2              0              3
UCSB:                 1              1              1              0
Hawai'i Scoring: Irene Gonzalez 2, Claire Nixon 2, Femke Aan 1, Carla Abellan 1, Nikki-Marie Bell 1, Gabi Mantellato 1
UCSB Scoring: Abbey Gosse 1, Kate Pipkin 1, Miranda Schrader 1