HONOLULU — The fourth-ranked University of Hawai'i water polo team defeated fifth-ranked USC, 9-8, to begin their four-game homestand before a packed hourse at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.
UH junior Bernadatte Doyle posted a team-high five points which included four assists and one goal. Junior Jordan Wedderburn led the team with three goals, earning her third hat-trick on the season. USC held the final possession of the game and a forced turnover allowed the Rainbow Wahine to hang on for a one-goal win, improving to 13-3 on the season.
The 'Bows defeated USC for the first time at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. UH entered the match 0-20 against the Trojans at home. The victory also marks the first time the Rainbow Wahine have defeated the Trojans in consecutive matchups. UH earned its fourth win over an opponent ranked in the top-five of the Collegiate Water Polo Association poll this season, with two of those victories being against USC. The other wins came against previously ranked No. 1 Stanford and No. 5 Fresno State early in the season.
The 'Bows got off to a quick start with a goal from senior Lot Stertefeld at the 7:19 mark of the first period. USC tied the game, but in the closing minute of the period the Rainbow Wahine responded with another goal from Stertefeld to give the 'Bows a one point advantage.
USC scored two goals in the first four minutes of the second period to give themselves a 3-2 lead. Senior Alba Bonamusa Boix found the back of the net, capitalizing on a power play opportunity knotting the score at 3-3. With 14 seconds left in the half Wedderburn netted a goal to give UH a 4-3 lead.
The Trojans opened up scoring in the second half by taking advantage of a power play opportunity. Wedderburn put the 'Bows ahead again, netting her second goal of the match. The Rainbow Wahine followed that score up with a powerful shot from sophomore Bia Mantellato Dias right in front of the net to put the 'Bows up by two. USC scored two consecutive goals to tie the game at 6-6. Wedderburn posted another late quarter score earning a hat-trick for the match to put the 'Bows ahead by one going into the fourth.
The Rainbow Wahine started regulation with two goals delivered by sophomore Roni Perlman and Bernadette Doyle, giving them a 9-6 lead. USC scored two goals in a row to close the 'Bows' lead to just one with 2:35 remaining in the match. The Trojans held the final possession of the match and their comeback was shut down by a forced turnover by the Rainbow Wahine.
The Rainbow Wahine return to the Duke on Friday, March 22 6 p.m. HT to take on Cal State Fullerton. UH defeated Cal State Fullerton 20-3 last year in the first ever matchup between the teams on March 31, 2023 at the Titan Aquatics Center in Fullerton, Calif.
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