The UCLA women’s water polo team secured a 15-10 victory over UC Irvine in their home opener at Spieker Aquatics Center on Saturday. The match, which featured seven ties early on, saw the Bruins pull away in the second half to remain undefeated this season with a 7-0 record.
Bia Mantellato led UCLA’s scoring with four goals. Taylor Smith contributed three goals, while Jenna Human and Anna Pearson each added two. Lauren Steele played an important role for the Bruins, recording seven saves and scoring once before being relieved by Joey Niz, who made three saves in the fourth quarter.
UC Irvine was paced by Lauren Hett’s three goals. Sydney Hagan and Annabelle Mundelius each scored twice for the Anteaters. UCI goalkeeper Ella Walker finished with 10 saves.
UCLA’s Elektra Urbatsch opened the scoring in the first quarter, but UC Irvine responded quickly to take an early lead before Mantellato converted a six-on-five opportunity. Human gave UCLA another brief advantage before UCI tied it again going into the second period.
Smith, recently named MPSF Player of the Week for her performance at the Triton Invitational, scored twice in the second quarter. A penalty shot by Smith began a strong run for UCLA as they netted three of the last four goals before halftime. Steele also contributed offensively with a goal just before halftime to give UCLA a 9-7 lead.
In the third quarter, Genoa Rossi and Smith extended UCLA’s lead while Mantellato and Pearson closed out scoring for a 13-8 advantage heading into the final frame. Both teams scored twice in the fourth quarter; Tali Stryker and Pearson added late goals for UCLA to secure their seventh consecutive win.
The Bruins will next compete at UC Irvine during the Barbara Kalbus Invitational starting Friday, February 13 against Fresno State at Anteater Aquatics Complex.
