No. 16 UCSD Drops Two at UCI Invitational

IRVINE, Calif. - The No. 16 UC San Diego women's water polo team loss both matches in the opening day of the UCI Invitational in Irvine. The Tritons nearly upset No. 7 Hawaii before falling, 9-8, and was upset by No. 20 Loyola Marymount, 10-7.

The Tritons started strong in the UCI invitational opener as they jumped out two a 3-2 lead in the first quarter. Unfortunately, Hawaii blanked UCSD in the second period while scoring three times of their own to take a 5-2 lead at the half.

UCSD stuck with Hawaii in the third quarter, and started to rally in the fourth. Despite out scoring Hawaii 3-1 in the final frame, the Tritons late surge was denied by the Rainbow Wahine.

The Tritons continued to struggle in game two as Loyola Marymount jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. UCSD attempted another fourth period rally by out scoring the Lions 4-1, but it wasn't enough to put the Tritons on top.

Laurel Kistler led the Tritons with four goals in game one and Julia Kirkland, Emma Sasson and Jolene Guiliana all tied a game-high two goals against LMU. Junior goalie Courtney Miller finished the day with nine saves.

UCSD is now 6-9 overall and looks to bounce back tomorrow against either UC Santa Barbara or San Diego State.

Game One Box Score
UCSD 3 0 3 3 - 8
HI 2 3 3 1 - 9
Goals
UCSD: Laurel Kistler 4, Julia Kirkland 1, Lani Tittle 1, Jolene Guiliana 1, Lauren Boyer 1
Saves
UCSD: Courtney Miller 7