Sports
Top Four Seeds Earn Berth to Semifinal Round of 2025 Big West Women’s Water Polo Championship
Story Links No. 1 seed Hawai’i 16, No. 8 seed Cal State Fullerton 6 Box Score | UH Presser | CSF Presser | Interactive Bracket Top-seeded Hawai’i defeated No. 8 Cal State Fullerton 16-6 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, Calif Quarterfinal Round of the 2025 Big West Women’s Water Polo […]
| No. 1 seed Hawai’i 16, No. 8 seed Cal State Fullerton 6 |
Box Score | UH Presser | CSF Presser | Interactive Bracket
Top-seeded Hawai’i defeated No. 8 Cal State Fullerton 16-6 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, Calif Quarterfinal Round of the 2025 Big West Women’s Water Polo Championship.
The Rainbow Wahine surged in the third quarter, scoring six goals, and maintained their lead throughout the game. The Titans managed to score only two goals during the same period. UH capitalized on their offensive opportunities, taking 34 shots with a shooting accuracy that resulted in 16 goals. CSF scored 6 goals from 20 shots. Both teams had multiple exclusions, with the Rainbow Wahine receiving 10 and the Titans 12.
Hawai’i secured a decisive victory over Cal State Fullerton, beginning with a strong start by scoring four consecutive goals in the first period. Bernadette Doyle initiated the scoring at 5:25, followed by Ema Vernoux’s penalty shot at 4:49. The second period saw Vernoux extend the Rainbow Wahine’s lead to 5-0 with an even-strength goal at 1:48 before Tess Henke put the Titans on the board at 1:21. In the third period, the Rainbow Wahine’s offensive momentum continued with a streak of five goals, highlighted by Doyle and Jordan Wedderburn scoring in rapid succession, making it 9-2. Although the Titans managed to narrow the gap slightly with goals from Emme Doube-MacLeod and Hannah Wilson, the Rainbow Wahine responded with a flurry of goals in the fourth period, securing a 16-6 victory. The Rainbow Wahine showcased efficient shooting with 16 goals from 34 attempts, while the Titans converted six goals from 20 shots.
The Rainbow Wahine team featured several standout players in their recent competition. Wedderburn led the team with three goals and added one assist, making a significant impact in their match. Gabrielle Doyle also contributed strongly with two goals and a leading four assists, showcasing her versatility in playmaking and scoring. Vernoux was effective with two goals on five shots and demonstrated defensive strength with one block and two exclusions drawn. Silvanne Slot made her mark by scoring two goals on three shots, while Esmee Roijen was efficient, scoring two goals on two shots. These players played key roles in their team’s performance, combining scoring ability with defensive contributions.
Wilson emerged as a standout player for the Titans, leading the team with two goals and two assists in their recent match. She also contributed defensively with one steal. Destiny Hernandez added a goal to the team’s tally while also blocking one shot and drawing an exclusion. Taylor Mason matched Hernandez with a goal and drew an exclusion, reinforcing the team’s offensive efforts. In the goal, Alexandra Ortiz made a significant impact with six saves, keeping the team competitive throughout the match.
Gallery: (4-25-2025) 2025 BW Champs: No. 1 UH vs No. 8 CSF
| No. 4 seed UC San Diego 15 No. 5 seed UC Davis 10 |
Box Score | UCSD Presser | Interactive Bracket
No. 4 UC San Diego overcame No. 5 UC Davis 15-10 in at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, Calif Quarterfinal Round of the 2025 Big West Women’s Water Polo Championship.
The Tritons gained an early lead with a 4-1 first quarter and maintained their advantage throughout the game, scoring four goals in both the third and fourth quarters. The Aggies attempted a comeback with consistent scoring, including three goals in each of the last three quarters, but the Tritons’ defense held strong. Notably, the Tritons capitalized on power plays with three goals and added a penalty shot, while the Aggies scored four power play goals and three from penalties.
UC San Diego opened the scoring at 5:07 in the first period with a goal by Courtney Okumura, assisted by Lucia Doak. The Tritons continued to dominate the first period, with Sydney Munatones scoring an exclusion goal at 2:23, and Holly Roberts adding to the lead at 1:28, followed by an unassisted goal by Abby Moll with just three seconds remaining, making the score 4-1 at the end of the first period. UC Davis rallied in the second period with back-to-back goals by Sam Yoo and Gianna Nocetti, narrowing the gap to 4-3. However, the Tritons responded with a flurry of three goals, including a standout performance by Okumura, who added another exclusion goal at 5:26, pushing the score to 7-3. The third period saw a back-and-forth exchange, highlighted by Roberts and Caroline Christl each scoring for the Tritons, while Yoo kept the Aggies in contention with an exclusion goal at 2:13. The Tritons maintained their lead throughout the fourth period, with Munatones contributing multiple assists and Okumura securing her hat trick, leading to a final score of 15-10 in favor of the Tritons.
Courtney Okumura led the Tritons with a strong performance, scoring three goals and providing two assists, while also contributing three steals and two blocks. Holly Roberts and Caroline Christl each added two goals, with Christl also securing two steals and drawing one exclusion. Sydney Munatones was a key playmaker with four assists, adding one goal to her tally. Kendall Thomas also played a vital role with two assists and one goal, drawing three exclusions in the process.
Sam Yoo led the Aggies with three goals on six shots, underscoring her offensive contributions. Kelly Hungerford facilitated the attack with three assists, while also recording three steals and a block. Gianna Nocetti was a key player, scoring two goals and securing four sprint wins. On the defensive end, Lucy Holland made seven saves in goal, playing a crucial role in the team’s efforts.
Gallery: (4-25-2025) 2025 BW Champs: No. 4 UCSD vs No. 5 UCD
| No. 2 seed Long Beach State 22, No. 7 seed CSUN 8 |
Box Score | LBSU Presser | Interactive Bracket
No. 4 Long Beach State downed No. 7 CSUN with a decisive 22-8 victory at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, Calif during the Quarterfinal Round of the 2025 Big West Women’s Water Polo Championship.
The Beach capitalized on offensive opportunities, scoring 22 goals from 39 shots, including eight power play goals and two penalty shots. The team’s second frame was particularly dominant, netting seven goals. The Matadors managed eight goals from 27 shots, with three power play goals and two penalty shots. Both teams faced multiple exclusions, with Long Beach State committing nine and CSUN committing 15.
The Beach secured a commanding victory over the Matadors with a final score of 22-8. The game began with CSUN taking an early lead as Kianna Melvin and Anna Pal scored consecutive goals at 5:53 and 5:10 in the first period. However, Long Beach State responded with a strong performance, highlighted by three goals in the final four minutes of the first period, ending the period with a 3-2 lead. In the second period, Long Beach State extended their lead further, with Cardona scoring her second goal at 6:12, contributing to a 10-4 advantage by halftime. The Matadors’ Anna Pal scored a total of three goals, including a penalty shot in the second period, but the Beach maintained control throughout, with Gaby Patenaude and Zelma Koka each scoring in the closing minutes. Long Beach State’s offensive dominance included eight power-play goals and two penalty shots, while the Matadors managed a total of three power-play goals.
Cardona led the Beach with a strong performance, scoring four goals on four shots and contributing three assists. She also won two sprints, showcasing her versatility in the pool. Elisa Portillo added three goals, making an impact with six shots, while also securing two steals. Patenaude matched Portillo’s goal tally with three goals on four attempts and drew four exclusions, helping to keep the opposition in check. Rita Gurri Capel was a key playmaker with three assists, adding a goal to her tally, and contributing defensively with a steal and a block. Goalkeeper Chelsea Oliver recorded seven saves, anchoring the defensive effort for the team.
Pal led the Matadors with a strong performance, recording three goals and three assists. Melvin was also a key contributor, scoring two goals on two shots and adding a steal. Lucie Lapuz added to the offensive efforts with one goal and one steal, while Helena Sandhagen scored once and contributed to the defense with a block and a sprint win. Goalkeeper Erika Staine was effective defensively with three saves and two steals.
Gallery: (4-25-2025) 2025 BW Champs: No. 2 LBSU vs No. 7 CSUN
| No. 3 seed UC Irvine 12, No. 6 seed UC Santa Barbara 11 |
Box Score | UCI Presser | UCSB Presser | Interactive Bracket
UC Irvine pushed past UC Santa Barbara 12-11 in a non-conference match at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, Calif Quarterfinal Round of the 2025 Big West Women’s Water Polo Championship.
The match was closely contested, with the Anteaters pulling ahead in the final period by scoring five goals. The Gauchos scored consistently throughout the game, but the Anteaters’ fourth-frame surge secured the victory. Notably, the Anteaters capitalized on three powerplay opportunities and added a penalty shot goal to their tally.
The Gauchos started strong with two consecutive goals in the first period, with Christina Mullane scoring at 7:26 and Juju Amaral following at 6:09. The Anteaters responded with two goals of their own, as Gracie Helberg scored at 5:36 and Nioka Thomas equalized at 1:37. The second period saw an exchange of goals as Bella Mady scored for UC Santa Barbara at 7:06, but the Anteaters’ Brooke Hourigan quickly matched it at 6:25. The third period was tightly contested, with both teams trading goals, including a quick response from the Anteaters’ Kennedy East after UCSB’s Mullane scored at 6:44. In the final period, the Anteaters took control by scoring four consecutive goals between 6:37 and 4:35, highlighted by two goals from Lauren Hett. The Gauchos attempted a comeback with Mullane and Isabel Valaika scoring, but ultimately the Anteaters secured a narrow victory with a final score of 12-11.
The Anteaters feature several standout players based on their recent performance. Hett led the team with two goals and contributed significantly on defense with three steals. Helberg matched Hett’s scoring with two goals and added an assist. Hourigan was efficient with a perfect shooting record, scoring two goals on two attempts and also providing an assist. East was a key contributor, recording two goals and leading the team with four sprint wins. In goal, Rachel Kirchner made a notable impact with 13 saves, anchoring the team’s defense. These players were vital contributors for the Anteaters in their recent match.
The Gauchos feature several standout players. Amaral made a significant impact with two goals and five assists in their game. Mullane was a key offensive contributor, leading the team with three goals and securing three drawn exclusions. On the defensive end, Ava Donleavy delivered a strong performance in the goal, recording 14 saves. Additionally, Annie Kuester added to the team’s scoring with two goals and provided a defensive presence with one block. These athletes played pivotal roles in their respective areas during the match.
Gallery: (4-25-2025) 2025 BW Champs: No. 3 UCI vs No. 6 UCSB
