No. 11 UCSD Downs Azusa Pacific, 15-8

DAVIS, Calif. - The No. 11 UC San Diego women's water polo team got off to a strong start at the UC Davis Invitational. Behind junior Jolene Guiliana's six goals, the Tritons beat Azusa Pacific, 15-8 on Friday night.

In addition to Guiliana's six goals, Andie Nishimi, Lauren Finwall and Laurel Kistler recorded two apiece. With Friday's win, UCSD improves to 6-4 on the season.

"We really wanted to come out and focus on our defense tonight, and that's what we did in the first half." head coach Brad Kreutzkamp said. "Coupled with an offensive counterattack that I thought was very sharp from the very beginning. I was very happy with the team's overall play. Hopefully it will translate into a good weekend."

Getting the start in the cage, Courtney Miller held Azusa Pacific to just one goal in the first two periods of the match, while the Tritons put up nine scores to hold a 9-1 lead at the half.

The Cougars outscored the Tritons in the third quarter, but a goal from Julia Kirkland and two from Guiliana helped UCSD maintain a large 12-5 lead.

Guilian started off the final frame by scoring her sixth and final goal of the night, and goals by Rachel Emami and Nishimi helped seal the 15-8 victory.

The Tritons will finish up play at the UC Davis Invitational tomorrow with a game against UC Davis at 9 a.m. followed by a match against Cal at 2:15 p.m.

UCSD 4 5 3 3 - 15
APU 0 1 4 3 - 8
Goals
UCSD: Jolene Guiliana 6, Lauren Finwall 2, Laurel Kistler 2, Andie Nishimi 2, Lauren Boyer 1, Rachel Emami 1, Julia Kirkland 1
APU: Maryann Slama 3, Taylor Whitney 2, Alka Espinar 1, Alex Paxton 1, Megan Myers 1
UCSD: Courtney Miller 6, Emma Scholz 2