DAVIS, Calif. – The No. 8 University of Hawai'i water polo team (13-10, 3-1 BWC) returned to Big West Conference (BWC) play on Saturday morning on the mainland, defeating No. 12(t) UC Davis (14-15, 2-2 BWC), 7-6, at the Schaal Aquatics Center. The Rainbow Wahine now hold a 3-1 record in conference play heading into next week's conference finale on Senior Day.
UC Davis got on the board early, taking a 1-0 lead to start the first period. However, Hawai'i sophomore
Irene Gonzalez and senior
Nikki-Marie Bell countered with back-to-back goals to give the 'Bows a 2-1 lead at the end of the period.
UC Davis knotted the score at two-all to begin the second period, but the Rainbow Wahine responded with another two goals via Gonzalez and redshirt junior
Chloe Barr to double the lead at halftime at 4-2.
The Aggies found some offensive rhythm in the second half, foreshadowing the game's tight finish while netting two goals in the third period to tie the score at four-all. Senior
Taylor Molde snapped the even score with her lone goal of the morning, pushing the 'Bows back up, 5-4, at the end of the period.
The fourth period was a back-and-forth battle as both squads connected on two goals apiece. Rainbow Wahine sophomore
Femke Aan and Barr netted back-to-back goals to give Hawai'i a three-score lead. The Aggies recorded the final two goals of the match, but the Rainbow Wahine were able to maintain possession as the clock wound down, prevailing with a final margin of 7-6 for their third conference win of the year.
Hawai'i now returns home for the final regular season match against BWC opponent No. 23 CSU Northridge on Saturday, April 15 at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. The weekend will feature the annual Alumnae Game, as weel as Senior Night.
Scoring by Quarters
Hawai'i 2 2 1 2
UC Davis 1 1 2 2
Hawai'i Scoring: Chloe Barr 2,
Irene Gonzalez 2,
Femke Aan 1,
Nikki-Marie Bell 1,
Taylor Molde 1
UC Davis Scoring: Paige Virgil 3, Hannah Harvey 1, Greta Kohlmoos 1, Annie Kutt 1
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