No. 12 Tritons Take Down Hawks, 14-7

LA JOLLA, Calif. - The 12th-ranked UC San Diego women's water polo team took their first home match of the season in commanding form as they defeated Hartwick, 14-7, Thursday night at Canyonview Aquatic Center.

The Tritons were led by an impressive six scores from Julia Kirkland and three from Laurel Kistler. Kirkland also added two assists and two steals to her night. Courtney Miller recorded 11 stops in the cage for UCSD, three of which were 5-on-6 saves.

UCSD led from start to finish while taking full advantage of every power play. The Tritons scored on all five man up situations and found the back of the cage on both five-meter shots.

Kirkland started her explosive night by notching the first goal of the game with 3:21 left in the first quarter. Junior Alexis Wieseler then scored two back-to-back goals before Laurel Kistler closed out the frame with one of her own, puting UCSD up, 4-1.

The Hawks pulled within one in the second period, but two more goals by Kirkland and one from Jolene Guiliana helped the Tritons extend their lead to 7-4 at the half.

The Tritons capped off their victory by scoring four times in the third quarter thanks to goals by Kistler, Guiliana, Kirkland and Emma Sasson, and third in the final frame from Kistler and Kirkland. Miller held the Hawks to just three goals in the second half.

UCSD will host the Triton Invitational this weekend at Canyonview Aquatic Center. The Tritons will be playing the first of four games at noon on Saturday against No. 19 Marist.

Box Score
UCSD 4 3 4 3 - 14
HART 1 3 2 1 - 7
Goals
UCSD: Julia Kirkland 6, Laurel Kistler 3, Alexis Wieseler 2, Jolene Guiliana 2, Emma Sasson 1
HART: Nicolina Mihaljlovik 4, Brittany Tait 2, Lauren Brennan 1
Saves
UCSD: Courtney Miller 11