NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — The third-ranked University of Hawai'i water polo team defeated CSUN 14-9 on Sunday at Matador Pool in Northridge, Calif., to complete a sweep of the opening week of Big West play.

The Rainbow Wahine improved to 12-3 overall and 2-0 in conference action. The 'Bows have won their last 12 matches against Big West competition dating back to last season's undefeated conference run.

Ema Vernoux led the team with five goals, followed by Jordan Wedderburn with four scores. Daisy Logtens started at goalie and recorded 13 saves and three steals. UH went 5-for-11 on the power play and held CSUN to just 2-for-9.

The Matadors scored two goals to begin the match before Vernoux capitalized on a power play to get UH on the board.

Stevilyn Griffin netted back-to-back scores for the Rainbow Wahine and Vernoux earned a hat trick with two consecutive goals of her own. CSUN scored three times in the second quarter, and the match was tied at 5-5 at halftime.

The Matadors claimed the first score of the third quarter, but UH responded with three consecutive goals. Wedderburn began the scoring run to even the match at 6-6. Bernadette Doyle and Wedderburn each scored on power play opportunities to reclaim the lead. Wedderburn converted on a penalty shot to earn a third quarter hat trick, followed by another power-play goal from Alia Burlock and UH led 10-8 going into the fourth quarter.

The 'Bows closed the match on a 4-0 scoring run started by a Vernoux goal at the 5:34 mark of the fourth quarter. Doyle found the back of the net and Wedderburn scored her fourth goal of the match. Vernoux sealed the game with her fifth goal to extend UH's lead to 14-8.

UH returns home to continue Big West play against Long Beach State on Saturday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. HT at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.

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