IRVINE, Calif. — The No. 13 UC Santa Barbara Women's Water Polo team raced out to a fast start and cruised to victory from there, taking down No. 13 UC San Diego in their final action from the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Sunday.
Drew Halvorson and
Leigh Lyter both recorded hat-tricks in the game but it was
Juju Amaral (four assists) and
Christina Mullane (two goals, two assists) topping the points totals with four each.
FROM HEAD COACH SERELA KAY
"This weekend was all about improving our team chemistry and strengthening the team's foundation in preparation for the start of Big West conference play next weekend," Kay said. "Different players stepped up each game and it will be exciting when we put it all together."
HOW IT HAPPENED
After the Tritons scored the first goal of the game, the Gauchos stormed back with five in the first quarter. Amaral played provider for most of them, with Lyter,
Annie Kuester, Mullane (twice) and
Imani Clemons all finding the back of the net in the first eight minutes.
The game evened out from there, with neither team out-scoring the other by more than a goal in the second, third or fourth quarters. While UC San Diego did win the even-numbered frames, 3-2, the Gauchos out-scored the Tritons in quarter number three, 4-3, which was enough to hold on to their lead.
Halvorson played an ever-growing role in the game as the clock ticked down, scoring in the second, third and fourth quarters to complete her hat-trick. Lyter finished up her hat-trick with two of Santa Barbara's four goals in the third quarter.
Isabel Valaika also joined in on the scoring in the third.
Ava Donleavy, who played the final 20 minutes of the game in goal for the Gauchos, made a big play in the fourth quarter to help keep her side ahead, saving a five-meter penalty shot. The Santa Barbara City College transfer finished with nine saves on the day.
Madison Walker got the start and made five stops in 12 minutes of play.
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara will begin Big West play on the road in their next game. The Gauchos will head north and take on No. 13 UC Davis on Saturday, March 2 at 12 noon. Live stats will be available through ucsbgauchos.com.
