The University of Hawai’i women’s water polo team secured third place at the Triton Invitational by defeating No. 7 Long Beach State 10-8 on Sunday at the Triton Pool in La Jolla, California.
Ariadna Temprano Xambó led the Rainbow Wahine with a season-high six points, scoring two goals and providing four assists. Raha Peiravani and Camille Radosavljevic each contributed two goals. Daisy Logtens anchored the defense with a season-high 12 saves.
Hawai’i began the match strongly, taking a 3-0 lead after capitalizing on Long Beach State’s errors. Radosavljevic scored on a penalty shot, followed by a power-play goal from Roni Perlman and another goal from Gabrielle Doyle. Long Beach State managed to score with less than a minute left in the first quarter, ending it with Hawai’i leading 3-1.
In the second quarter, Hawai’i opened with another three-goal run, starting with Peiravani’s goal and ending with two consecutive scores from Temprano Xambó. Long Beach State responded with two goals before halftime, but Hawai’i maintained a 6-3 advantage.
The Rainbow Wahine continued their pattern into the third quarter, scoring three unanswered goals. Tara Logan finished a power play after an assist from Perlman, followed by goals from Radosavljevic and Esmee Roijen. Long Beach State answered with three goals of their own later in the period, but Hawai’i held onto a three-goal lead going into the final quarter.
Long Beach State scored early in the fourth quarter. Both teams’ defenses limited opportunities until Peiravani added her second goal for Hawai’i. Long Beach State converted one more power play late in the game, but Hawai’i’s defense prevented any further scoring to secure the win and improve to 5-2 for the season.
Hawai’i will compete next at the Barbara Kalbus Invitational from February 13 to 15 at Anteater Aquatic Complex in Irvine, California.
