IRVINE, Calif. – The No. 15 UC Santa Barbara women's water polo team opened the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Friday, falling to tournament host No. 7 UC Irvine 13-9.

Box Score | Goalscorers: Snyder (3), Munson (2), Halvorson (1), Owens (1), Kelly (1), Mras (1)

The Gauchos (9-5) struck first with a goal from utility Caitlyn Snyder less than a minute in. It was the first of three on the day for the redshirt junior, who secured her sixth hat trick of the year, tied with Nina Munson for the most on the team.

However, the Anteaters (10-3) equalized just 24 seconds later on the first of five goals by Elena Flynn and wouldn't trail again. Drew Halvorson put away UCSB's second goal late in the period, but UCI went on to end the first leading 4-2.

Claire Kelly provided the first score of the second quarter, bringing UCSB within one goal. The Anteaters matched the Gauchos with one goal in the second, taking a 5-3 lead into the halftime.

Both sides scored three times in the third quarter. Nina Munson, Snyder and Cami Mras all scored for UCSB, which trailed 8-6 heading into the fourth.

UCI would save its best for last, outscoring the Gauchos 5-3 in the final frame. After Sarah Owens found the back of the net to pull UCSB back within two goals, 9-7, the Anteaters ended the game on a 4-2 run.

Santa Barbara is now set to face No. 21 San Diego State tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the Marian Bergeson Aquatics Center. With a win, the Gauchos will play again at 2:45 p.m. against either Pomona-Pitzer or No. 9 Arizona State. With a loss, UCSB would play its next game on Sunday at 8:00 a.m.