IRVINE, Calif. – The No. 5 University of Hawai'i water polo team (11-2) wrapped up a 3-1 weekend to finish fifth in the Barbara Kalbus Invitational, creating separation from No. 6 Arizona State (11-4) in the second half on Sunday at the Anteater Aquatics Complex, pulling away for the 10-8 victory over the Sun Devils.
 
The entire second have was key for the Rainbow Wahine, but a shutout third quarter was crucial in closing out the tournament on a win. Hawai'i outscored Arizona State 3-0 with a pair of goals from senior Claire Nixon to close out the period, while freshman Carmen Baringo got the second-half scoring started.
 
After being blanked in the third, the Sun Devils applied pressure late, but the Rainbow Wahine were always ready with an answer. Three times ASU scored and Hawai'i responded within a minute courtesy of scores by Nixon, Elyse Lemay-Lavoie and Chloe Barr – the last of which was necessary, as Barr's 2:34 goal built the lead back to three. The Sun Devils would reach the board just once more in the fourth, with UH holding off ASU for the second time this season for the 10-8.
 
It was a draw at the end of the first quarter and looked like more of the same into the second, but Nixon assisted Maartje Keuning to net a score that would give Hawai'i the momentum heading into the half with a 4-3 advantage.
 
For her efforts, Nixon logged her first hat trick of the season to lead UH and tie ASU's Maud Koopman for top scorer in the match. Nixon also dished out four assists and collected a pair of steals for the Rainbow Wahine.
 
Keuning and Baringo each scored a pair of goals apiece while senior goalkeeper Ymane Hage recorded eight saves in the cage against the Sun Devils.
 
Hawai'i previously upended Arizona State in Tempe at the Cross Conference Challenge to earn the No. 5 ranking with a 10-9 win at the beginning of February.

 

February 25, 2018  |  Anteater Aquatics Center (Irvine, Calif.)
Scoring by Quarters
#6 Arizona State (11-4)	1	2	0	5	- 8
#5 Hawai'i (11-2)	1	3	3	3	- 10
UH Scoring: Claire Nixon (3), Carmen Baringo (2), Maartje Keuning (2), Chloe Barr (1), Irene Gonzalez (1), Elyse Lemay-Lavoie (1)
ASU Scoring: Maud Koopman (3), Kayla Casas (2), Bente Rogge (2),  Amira Van Buren (1)

 




 

Hawai'i ties for the most victories among Big West schools and has the fewest losses by a wide margin. The Rainbow Wahine return to action next week at home in the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex, opening the conference slate as host to No. 7 UC Irvine (4-8) on March 3.