Box Score DAVIS, Calif. – In a hard-fought battle, the fifth-ranked University of Hawai'i women's water polo team opened Big West play with a gritty win, defeating No. 11 UC Davis, 13-9 on Saturday at the Schaal Aquatics Center.
 
Femke Aan and Elyse Lemay-Lavoie guided the Rainbow Wahine (12-2, 1-0 BWC) with three goals apiece. For UC Davis (12-9, 0-1 BWC), Chloe Robinson put in two goals, handed out three assists and had two steals.
 
In the opening quarter, Hawai'i got off to a sluggish start missing their first four attempts. The Aggies took full advantage striking their first goal at the 4:33 mark. In the ensuing possession, Lemay-Lavoie found the back of the net on a powerplay opportunity. Both teams would trade goals to close out the quarter tied 2-2.
 
Hawai'i entered the second frame looking to score, with two straight goals by Aan and Lemay-Lavoie, who added her second goal. UC Davis answered by connecting on three-straight scores to regain the lead 5-4. With just under two minutes before the half, the Rainbow Wahine put together a 2-0 scoring run to give them a 6-5 advantage at the break.
 
In the second half, the Rainbow Wahine found the back of the net seven times while holding the Aggies with four goals on 16 attempts. Freshman goalkeeper Bridget Layburn protected the cage, with eights save on the day.
 
The Rainbow Wahine continue their road swing traveling to Berkeley, Calif. in a rematch with No. 4 Cal on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. HT. UH fell to the Golden Bears at the Barbara Kalbus Invite, 12-10 on Feb. 23.