ORANGE/FULLERTON, CALIF. – The La Salle women's water polo team (8-2) opened the Convergence Tournament with a hard-fought 11-9 loss to Concordia University Irvine (9-7) at Allred Aquatics Center, then stormed back for a dominant 14-6 win over Fresno Pacific (5-9) in the nightcap at Titan Aquatics Center.
Against CUI, freshman attacker Nadya Azzopardi delivered a standout effort with four goals and an assist, leading the Explorers in a tightly contested opener. After trailing 6-5 at half, CUI outscored the Explorers 5-3 in the second half to secure the win.
Junior attacker Martina Bonet Saez added three goals and one assist, while Lily Kirby turned aside 12 shots and contributed two steals in goal.
La Salle responded with a convincing performance against Fresno Pacific, racing out to a 10-3 halftime lead.
Junior center Samara Eschleman led the offense with three goals. Azzopardi and Grace Smith each netted two in the victory.
Kirby made nine saves and added an assist before Avery Rabago and Michaela Burroughs closed out the game in the cage.
The Explorers will take on Biola (2-14) at 3:15 p.m EST and will close out the Convergence Tournament against host Cal State Fullerton (14-8) at 8:15 p.m. EST.
