HONOLULU— The University of Hawai'i water polo team got the 2023 campaign off to rousing start with two wins against top-25 opponents in the Rainbow Invitational Saturday at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Center.

The Rainbow Wahine (2-0) have started a season 2-0 for the fourth time in five years and continue their winning ways against #13 San Jose State and #20 Loyola Marymount but picking up their fourth consecutive win over the Spartans, while extending their win streak over the Lions to 15.
 
Sunday will be the final day of the Rainbow Invitational, as the 'Bows will host Marist at noon HT. UH enters the day 6-0 all-time against the Red Foxes.
 
Match 1- #6 Hawai'i 12 #13 San Jose State 5
 
In an early season challenge, the 'Bows showcased their ability to battle in the early going while showcasing dominance in the second half against the Spartans.
 
UH was held to four goals in the first half, leading to a 4-2 lead after the first 16 minutes of action. Senior attacker Alba Bonamusa Boix, unfazed by the SJSU defense, tallied two goals before exploding in the third and fourth periods.
 
The 'Bows outscored the Spartans 4-1 in the third frame and 4-2 in the fourth as Bonamusa Boix picked up four more goals over the stretch, tying her career-high in goals, a mark she set in 2020 against UC Davis. Over her four-year career, Bonamusa Boix has tallied four matches of five or more goals while accounting for 30 matches of multiple goals scored.
 
Adding to the offensive surge for the 'Bows were junior Lot Stertefeld, sophomore Camille Radosavljevic, and freshman Bia Mantellato Dias. All three picked up two or more goals, and as a team, UH shot .400 while converting on five of nine power plays.
 
Match 2- #6 Hawai'I 19 #20 Loyola Marymount 9
 
The 'Bows rode the momentum of an explosive second half against the Spartans to their second match of the day, netting 10 goals in the first two periods against the Lions for a commanding 10-4 advantage at the half.
 
UH never looked back as the lead never dipped below eight in the second half as four 'Bows tallied multiple goals. Led by junior Lot Stertefeld and her career-high six goals, UH added a shot percentage of .475 in the second match while going 6-of-9 on power plays and won all four sprints to begin each quarter.
 
Junior Bridget Layburn protected the net has accumulated 10 saves on the day, with five saves in each of the two matches.