HONOLULU — The fourth-ranked University of Hawai'i women's water polo team defeated Azusa Pacific 18-3 in dominant fashion to begin the final day of the Rainbow Invitational at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.
Hawai'i freshman Esmee Roijen scored a team high four goals helping the 'Bows to their fourth win on the season. Sophomore Bia Mantellato Dias and senior Lucia Gomez de la Puente both earned hat-tricks to contribute to the offensive attack. The Cougars are now 2-3 on the season.
The Rainbow Wahine's efficient offense went 18-for-31 (.581) on their shot attempts and converted on 4-of-5 (.800) power play opportunities. The defense was equally as dominant, holding the Cougars to 3-for-20 (.150) on their shots and recorded nine saves and 13 steals in the afternoon.
The Rainbow Wahine got off to a strong start tallying five goals in the first quarter. Thirty seconds into the match, the 'Bows got on the board with a five-meter attempt by Gomez de la Puente. UH went on a 4-0 streak to extend the lead to 5-1. After giving up their first goal, the Rainbow Wahine proceeded to go on another scoring streak, closing the quarter on a 3-0 run. Seven different 'Bows recorded a goal in the first quarter.
UH continued on the offensive attack in the second quarter as five different Wahine scored to stretch the lead to 13-2 heading into halftime. Sophomore Bia Mantellato Dias added to the scoring run and completed a hat-trick with 4:06 left in the second quarter. The 'Bows defense compiled two solid quarters only allowing two goals to complete the first half of action.
Despite the high scoring first half put together by the Rainbow Wahine, the defense shined to open the second half by not allowing a goal in the third quarter. UH rotated between three goalies, with freshman Daisy Logtens leading the way with four saves on the day. The 'Bows tacked on three more goals in the quarter, stretching the lead to 16-2.
The Rainbow Wahine held the Cougars to just one goal for the rest of the game. This is the least amount of points scored against the 'Bows since last year's matchup against Cal State Fullerton where they also allowed just three goals. The match was capped off with goals by Weston and Roijen.
The Rainbow Wahine will face off against fifth-ranked Fresno State at 6 p.m. in the tournament finale of the Rainbow Invitational at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. The Bulldogs are 6-0 overall and 2-0 in tournament play.
#GoBows
