Hawai’i Edges UC Davis in Water Polo, 9-8 | Aggies Next at UC Merced
DAVIS, Calif. — The University of Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine edged out UC Davis 9-8 in a tightly contested water polo match Friday at the Schaal Aquatic Center. Despite a four-goal performance from Aggies center Chelsea Johnson, UC Davis couldn’t hold off a late surge from Hawai’i.
The game began with a quick strike from Johnson, putting UC Davis ahead just 30 seconds into the first quarter. However, Hawai’i responded with a 3-0 run, fueled by back-to-back goals from Agatha Weston, to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish for long stretches of the game. Gianna Nocetti managed to cut into the deficit before the end of the first, leaving the score at 4-2 in favor of the Rainbow Wahine.
The second quarter saw both teams battling defensively. Roni Perlman extended Hawai’i’s lead, but Johnson proved to be a consistent offensive threat for the Aggies, converting two consecutive penalty shots. Nocetti then capitalized on a late opportunity, scoring in the final seconds of the half to tie the game at 5-5.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Lillie Vehling gave UC Davis the lead early in the period, but Hawai’i quickly answered, tying the score at 6-6. The defensive intensity continued, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring chances.
The fourth quarter proved to be a dramatic finish. Johnson once again put UC Davis in front, but Hawai’i responded with two quick goals to regain an 8-7 advantage. Vehling scored her second goal of the game with three minutes remaining, leveling the score at 8-8. However, Ema Vernoux delivered the decisive blow for Hawai’i, scoring with under a minute left to secure the 9-8 victory. The Rainbow Wahine’s defense then held strong, preventing UC Davis from mounting a successful comeback in the final moments.
Johnson’s four goals led all scorers, demonstrating her importance to the Aggies’ offense. Nocetti and Vehling each contributed two goals, providing valuable support. Despite the loss, UC Davis showed resilience and determination, battling a strong Hawai’i team to the particularly end.
Hawai’i’s win improves their record to 11-3 overall and 4-0 in Big West Conference play. The Rainbow Wahine have established themselves as a force in the conference, showcasing a balanced attack and a stingy defense. Vernoux’s clutch goal underscored their ability to perform under pressure.
The loss drops UC Davis to 9-12 overall and 2-2 in conference action. Whereas the Aggies faced a tough opponent in Hawai’i, they demonstrated their potential with a strong offensive showing led by Johnson. The team’s ability to compete with a top-ranked program suggests a promising future.
UC Davis will look to rebound tomorrow, , as they travel to UC Merced to face the Bobcats at noon PT. This match presents an opportunity for the Aggies to get back on track and build momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season. The game against UC Merced will be a chance for Coach [Coach’s name not provided in source material] to assess the team’s response to the narrow defeat against Hawai’i and make any necessary adjustments.
UC Davis Athletics continues to excel both academically and athletically, as the university is ranked No. 2 among public universities by the Wall Street Journal. With over 650 student-athletes competing in 25 Division I varsity sports, UC Davis is committed to providing a comprehensive and enriching experience for its student-athletes. The upcoming transition to the Mountain West Conference in 2026–27 signifies the university’s continued investment in its athletic programs and its commitment to competing at the highest level.