HONOLULU - The fifth-ranked University of Hawai'i women's water polo team is road bound once again with a pair of games in California.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (11-2) will open up Big West Conference play against UC Davis on Saturday, March 9 at the Schaal Aquatics Center before heading to Berkeley in a rematch with –No. 4 Cal the next day.
 
Last time out, UH went 3-1 at the Barbara Kalbus Invitational, defeating No. 13 San Jose State (13-5), No. 8 Arizona State (10-8) and No. 10 Pacific (14-6). Irene Gonzalez's five goals weren't enough as No. 4 Cal edged UH, 12-10.
 
Gonzalez, a senior attacker, earned Big West Player of the Week honors for the second time this season, connecting on 13 goals, seven assist and nine steals in her last five outings.
 
Gonzalez and freshman counterpart Maxine Schaap have guided the Rainbow Wahine on both ends of the pool. Gonzalez leads the conference with 39 goals and ranks second in assists (20), with Schaap ranking third in assists (18). On the defensive end, Gonzalez leads the BWC in steals with 26, while Schaap ranks second with 25.
 
In last year's matchup with UC Davis, the Rainbow Wahine defeated the Aggies 12-7 at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.
 
After a pair of weekend matches, the Rainbow Wahine head home for a three-game home stand at the DKAC beginning with a game versus USC on March 16 at 6:00 p.m.
 
Game 14
Who: No. 5 Hawaiʻi (11-2) at UC Davis (12-8)
When: Saturday, March 9
Time: 12:00 p.m. PT (10:00 a.m. HT)
Where: Schaal Aquatics Center
Live Stats: The FOSH
Series Information: Hawaiʻi leads 22-6
 
Game 15
Who: No. 5 Hawaiʻi (11-2) at No. 4 California (10-3)
When: Sunday, March 10
Time: 1:00 p.m. PT (10:00 a.m. HT)
Where:  Spieker Aquatics Complex
Series Information: Cal leads 31-10