HONOLULU, Hawaii– No. 17 UC Santa Barbara (16-9, 1-2) travelled to Hawaii to compete in four matches at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. UCSB faced No. 8 Hawaii (12-7, 3-0) in the first contest, but was unable to overcome the Rainbow Wahine suffering a tough loss, 10-7.
UCSB jumped to a quick 2-0 lead to begin the game with goals from freshman Jessie Porter and freshmanSamantha Murphy within two minutes of play. However, Hawaii answered by scoring three straight goals to complete the first quarter with Hawaii up 3-2.
The Gauchos started the second quarter with a fast goal from senior Shelby Haroldson to tie the game 3-3. From there, the Rainbow Wahine was able to score an additional three goals to end the first half maintaining their lead 6-3.
Hawaii came out ready to play during the second half. The Rainbow Wahine were able to score four goals in the third quarter and kept the Gauchos from tallying a single goal. However, the Gauchos weren’t ready to give up. UCSB answered with an impressive fourth quarter, tallying four goals from senior Kacey Creek, freshmanMichelle Dunn, freshman Mackenzie Baber, and sophomore Jade Wentz-Fitzgerald. Senior Ruth Milne acted as an incredible defensive force as she didn’t allow a single goal in the net for the Rainbow Wahine. However, Hawaii was able to edge out the Gauchos with a 10-7 win to advance their standings in the Big West Conference.
UC Santa Barbara will continue their play in Hawaii on Friday, March 29, 2013 against No. 2 Stanford at 7:30 p.m.
BOX SCORE
1 2 3 4 Final UCSB 2 1 0 4 7 Hawaii 3 3 4 0 10 UCSB Goals: Samantha Murphy, Jessie Porter, Kacey Creek, Michelle Dunn, Jade Wentz-Fitzgerald, Shelby Haroldson, Mackenzie Baber
UCSB Saves: Ruth Milne 6Hawaii Goals: Eggens 6, Genee 2, Lewis, Chillida
Hawaii Saves: Carlson 9
