The No. 4 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa water polo team defeated a top-ranked opponent for the second time this season with a 10-6 victory over No. 1 USC in the third-place match of the Triton Invitational on February 4 in La Jolla, California. This victory came after the Rainbow Wahine (8-1) defeated preseason No. 1 Stanford on January 20 in the Fresno State Polo-Palooza.
UH’s win over USC marked its first win over the Trojans since April 29, 2006, and snapped UH’s 27-game losing streak in the series. UH and USC will meet again on March 16, at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.
“I think it’s exciting for the potential for this group and what we can accomplish this season, and it motivates us to see where we’re at,” UH coach Maureen Cole said. “There’s so many places where we can still get a lot better, so to have this win early is great motivation to move forward toward our ultimate goal for our season.”
UH freshman goalie Daisy Logtens posted 15 saves, which tied for the third most blocks in a single game in school history. Sophomore Bia Mantellato Dias led the Rainbow Wahine offense with three goals. Mantellato Dias scored at least three goals in three of the four matchups in the Triton Invitational.
UH will have a couple of weeks to recharge before returning to action on February 23 for the Barbara Kalbus Invitational in Irvine, California. The ‘Bows will play four games in the tournament with opponents and times to be announced at a later date. Conference play starts in March with the Big West Championships slated for the end of April.
For more, visit the UH Mānoa athletics website.
