HONOLULU - The University of Hawai'i water polo team defeated UC Irvine in a non-conference matchup 8-6 on Saturday. The win marked the fourth consecutive win for the Rainbow Wahine over the Anteaters this season. 

Midway through the first frame sophomore Emma van Rossum deposited the ball to the back of the cage giving Hawai'i its first lead. Irvine followed up minutes later to tie the score.

In the second period, UCI recorded a goal, but freshman Lucia Gomez de le Puente came back firing to even the score. Later on, sophomore Olivia Kistler found redshirt junior Lalelei Mata'afa in the middle for a quick tip into the net to retake lead. 

To start the second half, Luka once again, quick to the ball, won the sprint. While the Anteaters scored early in the quarter, van Rossum, Luka, and redshirt sophomore Libby Gault went on a 3-0 scoring run to regain and then maintain the lead. Irvine managed to score one last time before the horn.

In the final quarter, junior Ann Inoue won the last sprint of the night. Then Kistler and freshman Lot Stertefeld added to the scoreboard as the 'Bows and Anteaters traded goals, each with a pair.

Junior Molly DiLalla finished with seven saves and one steal. Van Rossum led the team in scoring with two goals, tying her season high while Gault recorded one goal, one assist, and two steals.

The Rainbow Wahine currently hold a five game winning streak against UCI along with an overall record of 23-11 and 8-2 record at home. Hawai'i holds a seven game win streak and 4-0 record at home this season. 

Next, the 'Bows will host UC Davis in the last regular season matchups at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. Of the two game series, the first will count towards Big West Conference records and the second as non-conference. First sprint will take place at 6 p.m. HT on April 23.