IRVINE — After splitting its two games on Saturday, No. 13 UC Santa Barbara (11-7) failed to record a win during the last day of the UCI Invite. Falling to No. 14 UC Davis (7-7), 13-7, and then dropping its game against No. 9 San Jose State (8-5) by the score of 12-10, UCSB ultimately finished in twelfth place during the two day tournament.
Concluding the first day with a solid win over No. 18 Pacific, No. 13 UC Santa Barbara looked to continue their momentum against No. 14 UC Davis.
The entire first half was an offensive showdown as both teams were executing. With the defenses struggling to apply pressure on the opposing team’s offense, the half ended with a narrow 7-6 Aggies lead.
The third period remained tight as the Gauchos were only trailing by two goals, but the lack of offense in the final period diminished the chances for a Gaucho victory as the Aggies outscored the Gauchos, 4-0 in the final period.
Heading into its last match of the UCI Invite, UC Santa Barbara was slated to face off against No. 9 San Jose State. Much like the game against UC Davis, the first half showcased offensive power as the Spartans held an 8-6 lead at the half.
UCSB showed extreme toughness as they answered the sharp Spartans’ offense in the third period. Keeping the match close, the Gauchos faced a slim three goal deficit into the fourth and final period of the match.
The defense of both teams pick up their play as the one and only goal of the period came from UCSB as they fell to the Spartans in a close game, 12-10.
Leading the offense in the final day of the tournament was freshmen Samantha Murphy as she netted five goals. Senior Ruth Milne was the defensive leader as she recorded a total of ten saves in the final day of the UCI Invite.
UC Santa Barbara will have a week off before they host UC Davis at the Campus Pool on Saturday, March 9 at noon. This will be the first Big West Conference match of the season for the Gauchos.
Tickets for home women’s water polo games are available by visiting the Ticket Office in the Intercollegiate Athletics Building on campus, by calling (805) 893-UCSB or by clicking here.
BOX SCORES
UC Davis 13, UCSB 7
1 2 3 4 Final UCD 5 2 2 4 13 UCSB 4 2 1 0 7 UCD Goals: Curran (3), Dunn (3), Eggert (3), Fullerton (2), Kenny, Weddle
UCD Saves: Wilding (6)UCSB Goals: Samantha Murphy (3), Rachel Nelson (2), Bryn Hudson (2)
UCSB Saves: Ruth Milne (7)
San Jose State 12, UCSB 10
1 2 3 4 Final SJSU 5 3 4 0 12 UCSB 4 2 3 1 10 SJSU Goals: Molnar (3), Henry (2), Brazell (2), Lekness, Seyfert, Smith, Leabo, Natalizio
SJSU Saves: Reardon – 7UCSB Goals: Samantha Murphy (2), Jessie Porter (2), Lauren Martin, Kacey Creek, Shelby Haroldson,Claryann Olofsson-Loo, Bryn Hudson, Holly Smith
UCSB Saves: Ruth Milne (3)
