HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i women's water polo team fell in the championship match 11-8 to UC Irvine Friday night at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex
 
The Rainbow Wahine (16-6, 7-1) were unable to complete their quest to three-peat as conference champions but fought until the end.
 
It was a back and forth first quarter as Irvine got out in front with two early goals. Hawai'i's first goal came on a penalty shot from sophomore utility Lara Luka. UH followed that up quickly after a steal left a numbers advantage on the offensive end and allowed sophomore attacker Lucia Gomez de la Puente to beat the goalie and tie the game 2-2. UC Irvine netted one more goal with a minute remaining to hold a 3-2 after the first quarter.
 
The beginning of the second quarter was quiet until sophomore attacker Alba Bonamusa Boix rocketed one into the back of the cage. The Anteaters netted three more goals before Bonamusa Boix answered with another as UH took a 6-4 deficit into the half.
 
Freshman attacker Morgan McDowall found a quick goal and cut the lead to one out of the locker room. Irvine beat the shot clock and extended their lead back to two. The 'Bows found McDowall in front of the net again for her second goal, but so would UC Irvine's Sara Nicols, which helped UCI take an 8-6 lead into the final eight minutes.
 
Irvine and Hawai'i traded goals in the fourth, but it was too much for the 'Bows to overcome as they fell 11-8.
 
Senior goalie Molly DiLalla recorded six saves. While Bonamusa Boix was tied for a game-high four goals, ending her tournament with eight.
 
The Rainbow Wahine will await the NCAA selection show in the possibility of obtaining an at-large bid.