SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (March 10, 2023) — The No. 10 UC Santa Barbara women's water polo team (13-6, 0-2 Big West) was back at Campus Pool on Friday, taking on No. 5 Hawai'i (12-2, 1-0 Big West) in their first home Big West match of the season. In the pouring rain, it was the Rainbow Wahine who claimed victory, 12-8.

No. 10 UCSB 8, No. 5 Hawai'i 12
Goalscorers: Leigh Lyter (2), Caitlyn Snyder (2), Nina Munson (2), Juju Amaral (1), Delaney Palmer (1)

Despite falling behind early, the Gauchos stayed close against the conference preseason favorites, with goals from Caitlyn Snyder, Delaney Palmer, and Leigh Lyter keeping it a two-point game at halftime. Hawai'i built their lead in the third quarter, but UCSB fought back, out-scoring the Rainbow Wahine in the fourth. However, it was not enough to completely turn the tide. Lyter, Synder, and Nina Munson each scored a pair of goals, while goalkeeper Madison Walker made nine saves to help keep the Gauchos close.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos are back in action on Sunday, as they welcome the No. 11 UC Davis Aggies to Campus Pool. The match is set to begin at 12 p.m. and will be live on ESPN+. Live stats will also be available, through ucsbgauchos.com