Box Score Freshman Maxine Schaap's late goal proved to be the difference maker as the fifth-ranked University of Hawai'i women's water polo team upset fourth-ranked California, 6-5, on Friday night at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (14-4) picked up their first win against Cal (13-4) since 2016.  
 
In a high-paced first period, California struck first but the Rainbow Wahine answered with two straight goals by Samantha Malouff and Emma van Rossum. The Bears found the back of the net to even the score, 2-2.
 
In a tightly-contested second frame, the 'Bows looked to their defense to hold off Cal's offense. The Rainbow Wahine forced two turnovers and deflected two shot attempts, blanking the Bears to 0-6 shooting in the frame. The lone goal of the quarter belonged to freshman Bernadette Doyle, tallying a goal off a powerplay opportunity.
 
With the Rainbow Wahine up 3-2, UH looked to extend their lead. Cal's Claire Soone notched her second score of the game before Irene Gonzalez connected on her first goal of game to retake the lead. With two minutes remaining, the Bears answered to tie all scores at four apiece.
 
With the momentum on their side, the Bears kept it going in the final eight minutes as Cal's Elli Protopapas netted a goal to give Cal a 5-4 advantage with 6:04 remaining. With plenty of time on the clock, the Rainbow Wahine tied it all up with an arching shot by Carla Abellan as the shot clock expired. With under two minutes to go, Schaap's somehow found the back of the net, off a rainbow goal that proved to be the game-winner.
 
Molly DiLalla protected the cage, finishing with four saves and two steals.
 
The Rainbow Wahine will take on their final regular season road trip, with a Big West Conference showdown against No. 10 UC Irvine on Apr. 5 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex.