LA JOLLA, Calif.—The University of Hawai'i water polo team passed another significant test on Sunday by picking up a 12-8 win over Big West rival UC Irvine on the final day of the Triton Invitational at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
 
The Rainbow Wahine (8-1) took third place in the invitational going 3-1 over the three-day invitational, picking up wins against three top-20 opponents. The Anteaters (6-4) dropped their second consecutive match after coming up short to No. 2 USC 15-8 on Saturday.
 
UH overpowered UCI in the first quarter with a 5-2 advantage as four different 'Bows contributed with goals, including two from senior Alba Bonamusa Boix. The Anteaters kept the match within reach at 7-4 as both squads netted two goals in the second frame. The third quarter proved to be the difference maker as UH held UCI scoreless. At the same time, freshman Bia Mantellato Dias and senior Olivia Kistler rattled the cage with one goal apiece for a 9-4 lead. UCI found an offensive spark in the final quarter of action, outscoring UH 4-3, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome the 'Bows' five-goal lead.
 
Bonamusa Boix added three more goals outside her two from the first quarter, finishing with five and her sixth match of the season with multiple goals. Mantellato Dias tallied two goals, marking the eighth over her first nine career matches to record two or more goals. Kistler joined in with two goals of her own for her second consecutive match with two goals.
 
Junior goalie Bridget Layburn recorded nine saves and a steal to solidify the defense. In the 'Bows eight wins this year, they've held opponents to under 10 goals in each of those contests.
 
UH will have two weeks between matches as they'll now prepare for Barbara Kalbus Tournament in Irvine, California, set for February 24^th through the 26^th.