No. 13 Tritons Sink Sunbirds, 13-2

LA JOLLA, Calif. – The 13th-ranked UC San Diego women's water polo team used a strong defensive effort and a balanced scoring attack to sink the Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific, 13-2, Friday night at Canyonview Aquatic Center.

UCSD improves to 18-10 overall on the season with the win, while FPU drops to 7-16 overall.

Melissa Bartow and Julia Kirkland led the charge offensively with two goals apiece, while Courtney Miller and Alexsee Wilcox totaled 12 combined saves in the cage.

The Tritons led from start to finish after Bartow led off the game with a score in the opening quarter. UCSD received a second score from Alexis Wieseler, who buried a shot from outside into the upper right corner of the cage, in the period to make the score 2-0.

UCSD scored four times in the second period to grab a 6-1 advantage at the intermission. Kirkland opened the quarter with a quick release shot into the cage before Jolene Guiliana finished off the second with a score.

The Tritons finished off the victory by scoring seven times in the final two periods, as seven different players scored a goal. Wilcox and the defense delivered a shutout in the final frame to make the final 13-2.

The two goals allowed marks the third time this season the Tritons have allowed two scores or less. UCSD allowed a single score against Occidental on Mar. 7.

The Tritons begin WWPA play next week in a four-game weekend. UCSD faces conference foes Sonoma State (10 a.m.) and Cal State Monterey Bay (1 p.m.) on Saturday, Apr. 5. The following day, the Tritons take on conference member Cal State East Bay (11:30 a.m.) and play a non-league contest against Pacific (3 p.m.).

Box Score
UCSD 2 4 3 4 - 13
FPU 0 1 1 0 - 2
Goals
UCSD: Melissa Bartow 2, Julia Kirkland 2, Karen Henry 1, Andie Nishimi 1, Alexis Wieseler 1, Sarah Lizotte 1, Leah Gonzales 1, Emma Sasson 1, Lauren Finwall 1, Jolene Guiliana 1, Lauren Boyer 1
FPU: Nia Apodaca 1, Kaitlin Fletcher 1
Saves
UCSD: Courtney Miller 6, Alexsee Wilcox 6
FPU: Kelsie Harvey 7