LOS ANGELES – The #14 Pacific women's water polo (14-5) team dropped a hard-fought battle against #18 Loyola Marymount (8-10) on Saturday, falling 14-10.
"It was a tough loss today, we have to give credit to LMU, they are a very talented team," said Head Coach James Graham.
In a rematch of the 2022 Golden Coast Conference semifinals, the Tigers hoped to come out on top against the other big cats this time but lost a close one.
Sophomore Szamira Koppány led the Tigers' scoring front with three goals. Freshman Alicia Petkov, graduate student Lucy Davis and sophomore Hila Futorian each dented the twine twice for Pacific. Sophomore Addison McGowan assisted the attack, finding the back of the Lions' goal once.
Davis assisted on three Tiger goals, proving her veteran nature on the team. Koppány, Futorian, graduate student Brianna Utas and freshman Noemi Alaksza each added another assist.
"We worked hard and fought the best we could, through the adversity presented to us," said Graham.
On the defensive end, the Tigers held their own. Futorian had three drawn exclusions, and Utas had two. Petkov, Davis, Koppány and sophomore Ilyana Zlobinsky each drew an exclusion to give Pacific the powerplay advantage.
Redshirt senior goalkeeper Clara Vulpisi had seven saves throughout the game. She also stole the ball three times from the Lions. Koppány, Zlobinsky and Petkov each stole the ball from LMU once.
"We're going to have to adapt and find ways to solve the problems plaguing us," said Graham. "I'm confident we'll figure it out and we'll be ready for next week."
The Tigers are back in action on Saturday, March 18, in Santa Clara. They'll take on GCC opponent Santa Clara at 10 a.m. and #16 Harvard at 1:30 p.m. Following those two tough matches, the Tigers host #12 Michigan for their home opener in Stockton on Sunday, March 19.
To stay current on Pacific women's water polo, download the Pacific Tigers Athletics mobile app and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
