IRVINE, Calif. - The No. 8 University of Hawai'i women's water polo team defeated No. 6 UC Irvine 9-7 in the first of two non-conference games onr the weekend. In a close first and fourth quarter, the 'Bows were able to hold on to a small lead in the second and third to result in the victory. 

With another slow start to the match UC Irvine scored quickly after the horn and went on up 2-0. Sophomore Olivia Kistler was the first 'Bow to get Hawai'i on the scoreboard. A minute, Kistler tied the Anteaters with another goal. The two teams traded goals, including redshirt sophomore Libby Gault's quick conversion in the final 16 seconds to finish the first quarter 3-3.

Halfway through the second quarter UCI found the net, but that did not stop freshman Lara Luka from adding her name to the stats by keeping the score close. With nine seconds remaining in the half, reigning Big West Player of the Week and freshman Lucia Gomez de le Puente fired a shot in the cage to give UH its the first lead of the game.

A minute into the second half, Gomez de le Puente scored again. In the final minute of the quarter freshman Lot Stertefeld increased Hawai'i's run to 3-0 before the Anteaters netted one last time to end the third 7-5.

While Irvine attempted to trade goals until the final horn, Gomez de le Puente and Luka both helped keep UH's lead for the Wahine and ultimately captured the win. 

Junior goalie Molly DiLalla completed the day with five saves and one steal. Gomez de le Puente recorded three goals and one assist while Luka finished with two goals, two assists, and two steals.

The Rainbow Wahine will face UCI again on Saturday in Irvine, Calif. at 8 am HT in the last non-conference game of the weekend.