Wahine edge Cal, Michigan on opening day
Rainbow Wahine freshmen Julia Barton and Femke Aan both scored three goals in their collegiate debuts to lead the seventh-ranked UH water polo team to a 10-9 win over No. 4 California to open the UC Santa Barbara Winter Invitational today in Santa Barbara, Calif.
UH fell behind 5-2 in the second quarter and rallied behind Aan’s three third-quarter goals to take an 8-7 lead going into the fourth. Cal reclaimed a 9-8 lead with 5:41 left and UH freshman Irene Gonzalez scored the tying goal 43 seconds later. Barton then gave the Wahine the lead for good with 1:14 left.
The Wahine then edged No. 12 Michigan 11-10 in their second match of opening day. Junior Nikki-Marie Bell scored her fourth goal of the match with 3 seconds left to give UH the win. Gonzalez scored three goals for UH, Aan added two goals and Barton and Taylor Molde scored one each.
The three-day tournament continues Saturday with UH facing No. 2 UCLA at 11:30 a.m. Hawaii time and No. 20 Wagner at 3:50 p.m.
Enjoyed watching this sport during the Olympics. This team deserves more coverage and support. Congratulations to our team!
Looking at the roster this team is mostly from Calif. and Intl players. To bad no video coverage.