HONOLULU - The No. 5 ranked University of Hawai'i women's water polo team fell to No. 2 USC, 16-7, Friday at the Duke. Freshman Bia Mantellato Dias led the way in scoring for the Wahine, netting four goals. 


The 'Bows held off the Trojans in the first quarter, keeping a 2-1 margin on the scoreboard.  Action picked up in the second, after Mantellato Dias tied up the score at two on a penalty shot. USC quickly followed with an offensive onslaught, taking back-to-back shots at the net. Junior goalie Bridget Layburn knocked both shots down,  before USC Tilly Kearns found the back of the net to make it 6-3.


Neither team letting up on the game, Mantellato Dias sent in another goal early in the third quarter, followed by multiple forced turnovers by both UH and USC. The turnovers were credited to Emma van Rossum and Alba Bonamusa Boix, who led the offense in the third quarter for the Wahine who trailed 11-6.


In the final four minutes, Mantellato Dias added another tally to the scoreboard off an assist by Jordan Wedderburn. USC answered with three unanswered goals to close out the game.


The Rainbow Wahine will return tomorrow, Mar. 18, to host No. 22 San Diego State at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Center. The first sprint is slotted for 6:00 p.m. HT.




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