April 26, 2008

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The No. 8 seed UC Irvine women's water polo team (15-11) defeated No. 12 seed UC Santa Barbara 8-5 in the consolation bracket of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championship at the Aztec Aquaplex.

The `Eaters took a 5-2 lead in the first period, but were held scoreless over the next two periods with the Gauchos adding  a pair of goals to cut the lead to 5-4 heading into the fourth quarter. UCI got back on the board in the fourth period as they put in three to seal the victory.

Junior Julia Fancher led all scorers with three goals in the match. Senior keeper Lauren Machanis had 12 saves for the `Eaters.

The Anteaters will now face No. 11 seed Cal State Northridge Sunday at 10:20 a.m. in the ninth place match of the MPSF Championship at the Aztec Aquaplex.