BUDAPEST, Hungary --- For the first time in UC Irvine history, an Anteater has taken home a World Championship medal as
Tara Prentice and the U.S. scored Gold Saturday evening in a 9-7 win over Hungary in the FINA World Championships.
"I found myself very emotional the final night as this has always been a dream of mine," Prentice said. "I couldn't stop crying during the medal ceremony as I was just filled with so much pride & love! I kept thinking about all the people that had helped me along the away and how I was so lucky to have this experience of representing my country in front of a crowd of 7,000 people! The best part of it all was getting the opportunity to represent UCI & all my friends and family. I just have so much gratitude for the entire experience. Forever an Anteater!"
Prentice played 7:43 of the championship match against the host country as she finished off her first-ever competition with the national team. The team won all six matches they played in the tournament with Prentice averaging 11:21 minutes played her match with five goals, five steals, and one field block over the course of the tournament including a two-goal match in the opening 24-2 win over South Africa.
Prentice was the first Anteater to ever make the U.S. National Team for competition prior to the tournament, and she is now the first Anteater to claim any medal in an international competition. Prentice claimed her share of awards with the Anteater in her five years with the program finishing with four All-American honors and a Big West Player of the Year accolade in 2022.
Next, Prentice looks to continue her U.S. competition with the FINAÂ World League Super Final later this month.
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| Date |
Time (PT) |
Opponent |
Follow |
Tara |
| June 20 |
9:00 AM |
South Africa |
W, 24-2 |
13:40 played, 2 goals, 2 steals |
| June 22 |
10:30 AM |
Netherlands |
W, 11-7 |
11:07 played |
| June 24 |
9:00 AM |
Argentina |
W, 23-3 |
15:59 played, 1 goal, 3 steals, 1 field block |
| June 28 |
7:00 AM |
Quarterfinal vs. Spain |
W, 13-8 |
11:10 played, 1 goal |
| June 30 |
7:00 AM |
Semifinal vs. Italy |
W, 14-6 |
8:27 played, 1 goal |
| July 2 |
11:00 AM |
Final vs. Hungary |
W, 9-7 |
7:43 played |
