UC Irvine
Arizona State
Anteaters Win their First Match 5-4 over Arizona State in the UCI Invitational
February 27, 2016 | Women's Water Polo
Irvine, Calif. – No. 9 UC Irvine came out strong in a tight match against the No. 7 Arizona State Sun Devils taking their first game of the Invitational 5-4 and holding on to the home advantage for the remainder of the tournament.
The Anteaters took an early lead with a goal by Mackenzie Milham to end the first quarter 1-0. Destene Albers took a shot early in the second quarter to put UCI up 2-0. Arizona State answered back with a goal of their own by Katie Sverchek and the game headed into halftime with the 'Eaters up 2-1.
The Sun Devils started off the second-half with another goal from Sverchek to tie up the match 2-2. Allie Loomis scored with 2:24 left on the clock of the third period to give UC Irvine the 3-2 lead which they would keep until the end of the game.
Gabby Pierandozzi gave UCI their first goal of the fourth quarter giving the Anteaters a two point advantage 4-2. Arizona State was not giving up and Maud Koopman scored for the Sun Devils to bring them within one goal.
Mary Brooks capitalized on an ejection to score with just 2:14 left on the clock of the game and Arizona State came back with one of their own 45 seconds later making the score 5-4.
The defense was able to hold off ASU for the last minute and a half of the game for the "Eaters to win their first game of the UCI Invitational 5-4.
Annika Nelson was in goal with six saves.
UCI Invitational
at Anteater Aquatics Complex
No. 7 Arizona St. vs. No. 9 UC Irvine
| Box Score | 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
F | ||
| Arizona St. |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
||
| UC Irvine |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
Arizona State goals: Sverchek(4), Koopman, Kerth
UC Irvine goals:Brooks, Milham, Loomis, Albers, Pierandozzi
Saves:Barrett(ASU)-10; Nelson(UCI)-6
