LOS ANGELES − After jumping out to a 2-0 lead, the No. 6 University of Hawai'i water polo team fell just short to the No. 3 UCLA 12-7 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament on the campus of UCLA.
Led by freshman
Lot Stertefeld's two early goals, the Rainbow Wahine came out strong and took a 2-0 lead in the first frame before ending the period up 2-1. Junior
Carmen Baringo and
Molly DiLalla contributed on the defensive end adding significant blocks and saves to slow UCLA's speedy counter attack.
In the second quarter, Stertefeld completed a hat trick, but UCLA found its rhythm and took the lead as they went on a 3-0 run to end the half.
The Bruins began the third period with a 5-3 lead but scored four more goals in the quarter, holding Hawaii to just one singular goal by sophomore
Emma van Rossum stepped up and added her name to the scoreboard with a goal.
UH cut the UCLA lead to three goals in the fourth period and were threatening to cut the deficit to two goals, but bar-out shots and stingy defense by the Bruins helped UCLA score two empty net goals to end the game with a five goal lead at the final horn.
Hawai'i was led offensively by Stertefeld's three goals and freshman
Lucia Gomez de la Puente's four assists. Goalkeeper
Molly DiLalla added four saves in the match.
The Rainbow Wahine saw their 11 game win streak end but do end the season as back-to-back Big West champions.
