The University of Hawai’i women’s water polo team, ranked fifth nationally, lost to No. 4 California with a score of 16-8 in the opening match of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Friday at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, California.
Agatha Weston and Ema Vernoux led Hawai’i offensively, each scoring two goals. Goalkeeper Daisy Logtens played the entire match, recording nine saves and one steal.
California opened the game with two early goals before Ariadna Temprano Xambó scored for Hawai’i. The Golden Bears added two more goals, leaving Hawai’i trailing 4-1 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, both teams exchanged goals. Vernoux scored on a power play in her return to action. After another Cal goal, Sienna Walker responded for Hawai’i just 16 seconds later. Cal scored again before Klapsianou netted a goal at the 2:50 mark to bring Hawai’i within two at halftime, with a score of 6-4.
During the third quarter, Weston, Vernoux, and Raha Peiravani each scored for Hawai’i. However, California managed seven goals in that period and extended its lead to 13-7.
In the final quarter, Hawai’i was outscored 3-1. Weston contributed the team’s only goal in that period as Hawai’i’s season record moved to 5-3.
Hawai’i will continue its participation in the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Saturday against No. 11 UC Irvine at 10:00 a.m. Hawai’i Time (noon Pacific Time) at the Anteater Aquatics Center.
