IRVINE, CALIF. — Today marks the first day of UC Irvine's Barbara Kalbus Invitational, and it is a strong field full of viable contenders this year. All sixteen teams in the tournament are ranked inside the top 20, and the top nine teams in the nation are all scheduled for the weekend. Today, in a matchup of two top teams, the No. 17 UCSB women's water polo team lost by a wide margin against the UCLA Bruins, getting outscored 13-3 in today's matinee game.
The Bruins got off to a hot start against the Gauchos, scoring four goals, while holding UCSB scoreless in the opening period. The Gauchos looked sluggish to start the game, especially on defense. Despite the team's slow start, goalkeeper Kenzi Snyder kept the game from getting out of reach early, recording three momentous saves to hold it at 4-0 entering the second quarter.
Finding their footing in the second period, the Gauchos were able to cut away at the UCLA lead. Kate Pipkin delivered an on-point pass to Natalie Selin, who fired the ball in for the team's first score of the game. Following that goal, Kate Coski was able to get on the board with the second consecutive UCSB goal of the quarter. After the short scoring spurt, UCLA led UCSB 4-2, with almost four minutes remaining left in the first half. However, UCLA's potent offensive attack struck again, putting two more scores in before halftime. The Bruins held a 6-2 lead over the Gauchos entering the break.
Once again, UCSB had trouble getting off to a good start at the start of the half, allowing UCLA carry its first half momentum into the third quarter. The Bruins went on a 3-0 run in the quarter, putting the game out of reach at 9-2 entering the fourth.
The Bruins went on to score two early goals in the fourth, before Selin broke the scoreless draught for the second time in the game. UCLA went on to roll to a comfortable victory, topping the Gauchos 13-3.
Selin led the way for the Gauchos, recording two goals in the contest, while Coski scored one. Pipkin and Amelia Meckelborg both recorded an assist in the loss.
The Gauchos look to bounce back in the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Saturday, when they will battle No. 19 CSUN at Corona Del Mar Pool.
