LA JOLLA, Calif. – The No. 10 UC San Diego women's water polo team will make their first true road trip this week when they take on Big West foe UC Irvine for a pair of non-conference games on March 5 and 6.
 
DETAILS
No 10 UC San Diego (3-0) at No. 5 UC Irvine (4-2)
March 5 and 6 both at 2:00 pm
Anteater Aquatic Center
Stats Game 1 | Stats Game 2 | Watch
 
UC SAN DIEGO AND COVID-19
UC San Diego's nationally renowned Return to Learn program was created to return to in-person teaching, learning, conducting pioneering research and serving our communities in the safest way possible. The program has three adaptive pillars that are central to our strategy to resume on-campus activity: risk mitigation, viral detection, and intervention.

For the latest information on UC San Diego and COVID-19, please visit the University's Return to Learn site.

ATTENDING THE GAMES
Per the current COVID-19 guidelines set by the state of California, the County of San Diego and the Big West Conference, fans are not permitted to attend home games at Canyonview Aquatic Center. For more information on UC San Diego ticket policies, visit UCSDTritons.com/tickets.
 
COVERING THE TRITONS
Media members wishing to cover a UC San Diego game in-person at Canyonview Aquatic Center this season must notify a member of the Athletics Communication staff no later than 24 hours before start of a contest. All media members will need to complete a UC San Diego symptom screening form on the day of game prior to arriving on campus. 
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Tritons defeated California Baptist at home 15-7 in game one and 16-7 in game two. A total of 15 different players recorded goals between the two games. Karis Couch had a team high six on the day.
 
BIG WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
For her career effort in the goal against San Diego State, Bugelli was named Big West Player of the Week on February 24. This is the first time she has earned the honor.
 
USE CREDIT UNION TRITON ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Ciara Franke was named Triton Athlete of the Week on March 1. She recorded a hat trick in game one against CBU and added two field blocks and an assist. Franke has played good two meter defense for the Tritons in the early part of the season.
 
2020 BIG WEST SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Franke was named UC San Diego's 2020 Big West Female Scholar-Athlete of the year. Each institution is awarded one male and female award winner. The award acknowledges their accomplishments on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.
 
BIG WEST RANKED NATIONALLY
4. UC Irvine
5-T. Hawaii
9. UC Santa Barbara
10. UC San Diego
11. UC Davis
17. Long Beach State

SIZING UP THE ANTEATERS
The Anteaters are 4-2 on the season with wins against San Diego State and California Baptist and losses against USC and UCLA. The Anteater's last Big West Championship came in 2018 with an overtime victory over Hawaii. Since 2006, the Anteaters have dominated the series 1-16. The last meeting between the two teams was April 12 at Canyonview when the Tritons fell 11-8.

TRITON TIES
UC Irvine's Jensine Bugelli is the sister of Triton goalkeeper Bennett Bugelli. The other Bugelli was named Big West Player of the Week on February 10.
 
100 GOALS CLUB
Grace Pevehouse (146) and Ciara Franke (126) have scored over 100 goals in their careers. Next closest player is Jessee Ransone with 62.
 
RECORD WATCH
With 476 career saves, Bennett Bugelli ranks tenth all time. Currently, Reilly Gallagher ranks ninth with 530 saves.
 
UC SAN DIEGO ATHLETICS LAUNCHES WEEKLY PODCAST
As part of UC San Diego's transition to Division I, the Athletics Department launched a weekly podcast, Tritoncast. Produced by UC San Diego Athletics Communications, Tritoncast features in-depth interviews with UC San Diego personalities including scholar-athletes, alums, coaches, and administrators. Triton fans will get an inside look at the UC San Diego Athletics Department as the program transitions to NCAA Division I and the Big West Conference.
 
New episodes of Tritoncast are available each week on the most popular podcasting apps, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Audible, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn. In addition, each episode can be heard and downloaded on UCSDTritons.com. For individual show information and listen links, follow Tritoncast on Twitter @Tritoncast.
 
FOR THE YOUNGER CROWD
Got some young Triton fans in your family? If they are eighth grade or under, check out the Junior Triton Club. Membership includes a free t-shirt, admission to over 100 UC San Diego home athletic events, and much more!
 
GEAR
For the latest Triton apparel and accessories, visit the official team store of the Tritons here.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW
Keep up with the Tritons all season long on social media through Twitter and Instagram. The team's social media handle is @UCSDwwp.
 
UP NEXT
The Tritons welcome University of Hawai'i to Canyonview Aquatic Center for their Big West home opener on March 10 and will play them in a non-conference game on March 11.