The University of Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine water polo team will play against UC Irvine in the Big West Championship semifinal on April 11 at the Ken Lindgren Aquatics Complex in Long Beach, California.
This matchup is significant as both teams have a strong history in the conference, with Hawai’i defending its title and aiming for another appearance in the final. The winner of this game will move on to the championship match scheduled for Sunday, with an automatic bid to the National Collegiate Women’s Water Polo Championship at stake.
Hawai’i comes into the semifinal after defeating UC Santa Barbara 18-6 in the quarterfinals. The Rainbow Wahine are currently on a 27-game winning streak within conference matchups dating back to 2024 and recently secured their eighth regular-season crown since joining the Big West Conference. Agatha Weston leads Hawai’i with 47 goals this season, while Ariadna Temprano Xambó has contributed a team-high 70 points and 33 assists. Goalkeeper Daisy Logtens has recorded 136 saves and holds a .455 save percentage, ranking fourth all-time for career saves at UH.
UC Irvine advanced by beating UC San Diego 22-14. The Anteaters feature Lauren Hett, who led the conference with 70 goals during regular season play. In previous meetings this year, Hawai’i has won all three encounters against UC Irvine, most recently securing a narrow victory (10-9) on February 27.
Historically, these two teams have dominated recent Big West Championships and have met multiple times in tournament finals. Their last tournament meeting was in the final of 2023 when UC Irvine won after overtime.
