HONOLULU — The No. 6 University of Hawai’i women’s water polo team put on an impressive show, defeating UC Santa Barbara 18-4 at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex on Saturday. With this win, they improved to 12-5 overall and maintained an unblemished 5-0 record in the Big West Conference.
Gabrielle Doyle ignited the game, scoring just 19 seconds in. This quick goal kicked off a dominating 7-0 run for the Rainbow Wahine, marking their 25th straight conference win.
Ariadna Temprano Xambó led the team with four goals, matching her season high. Roni Perlman also stood out, not only scoring once but providing five assists.
Hawai’i demonstrated solid teamwork, as several players contributed multiple goals, including Karly Frangieh, Lola Annear, Sienna Walker, Agatha Weston, and Emilia Schorr. In goal, Daisy Logtens recorded two saves in the first quarter, while Nalani Yim and Evelyn Miller took over, adding three and four saves, respectively.
The Rainbow Wahine showcased their offensive power, achieving a shooting percentage of 60%, far surpassing UC Santa Barbara’s 13.8%. Hawai’i was also effective in power plays, converting four out of six opportunities.
The first half was especially strong defensively for Hawai’i. They held the Gauchos scoreless in both the first and second quarters, finishing halftime with a commanding 12-0 lead.
Though UC Santa Barbara found the net in the third quarter with two goals from Cami Mras, Hawai’i quickly responded with three goals of their own to extend the lead to 15-2. The final period saw both teams score twice, with Annear clinching the game with the last goal.
Looking ahead, the Rainbow Wahine will host an exhibition match against Australia on Thursday, April 2, at 6:00 p.m. They will then wrap up the regular season with Senior Night against Cal State Fullerton on Friday, April 3, at 5:00 p.m.
This performance not only highlights the team’s skill but reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, particularly in water polo, where increasing exposure and investment are enhancing competition levels. A recent survey showed that interest in women’s water polo has grown, with viewership increasing by nearly 30% over the last few years. This growth sets a positive tone for the future of the sport.
Stay tuned for more exciting matches as the Rainbow Wahine continue to build momentum!
