IRVINE, CALIF. — On the final day of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational, the No. 17 ranked UCSB women's water polo team could not sustain an early lead, and fell 4-3 to Loyola Marymount at Corona Del Mar pool on Sunday morning. This loss comes after splitting two games on Saturday, and falling to No. 4 UCLA on Friday. 

The Gauchos got off to a great start in this game. Striking early and a stretch of good defense gave the Gauchos an early lead that helped start the game off on the right foot. Natalie Selin got it started for UCSB, scoring the first goal of the match for either team with 6:10 left in the first period. Shortly after, Mollie Simmons scored the second unanswered goal for the team, putting them up 2-0 with 5:11 left in the quarter. The stout Gaucho defense held the Lions scoreless for most of the quarter, until LMU broke their scoring draught with a late goal to make it 2-1 at the end of the first. 

LMU came out with more intensity in the second period, and scored twice early to take the lead at 3-2 with 5:11 left till halftime. The Gauchos tried to fight back, but couldn't find any rhythm on the offensive end. Their defense remained solid, although the Lions scored another goal to make it 4-2 going into halftime. UCSB did not record a goal in the second, but looked to get back on track in the second half. 

The second half was a struggle for both sides, as neither team recorded a goal in the period, despite several powerplay chances for UCSB. Goalie Kenzi Snyder held the Lions scoreless in the quarter with three dramatic saves to keep the score at 4-2 at the end of the third. 

In the final period of play, the Gauchos tried to mount a comeback attempt. Their defense had another stellar shutout quarter, and Sarah Snyder was able to cut the deficit to one with 3:26 remaining. With the game in reach, the Gauchos ramped up their defensive effort, and continued to put pressure on LMU's offensive attack. However, LMU did not falter, and held on to clinch a 4-3 upset win over the higher ranked Gauchos. 

Three different Gauchos recorded a goal, with Simmons, Snyder, and Selin each finding the back of the net. Snyder was the centerpiece for the Gauchos' defensive effort tonight, racking up nine saves to help hold the Lions to just four goals. In the end, the struggles on the offensive end proved to be too much to overcome, and the team will look to improve upon the effort in their next match against Redlands on Saturday, March 3rd. 

LMU Goals: Molloy 2, Grosse, Armstrong
LMU Saves: Wright 8

UCSB Goals: Simmons, Snyder, Selin
UCSB Saves: Snyder 9