SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Pacific women's water polo team is headed to the 2023 Golden Coast Conference championship game!

The #3 Tigers defeated the #2 Lions from LMU 9-7 on Saturday afternoon and advance to the finals at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

"Today was about battling. LMU is a great team, they're extremely talented, and we knew it," said Head Coach James Graham. "The last time we played them, unfortunately, we weren't healthy and complete. This time we felt we had a better situation going into the game and were excited about the opportunity." 

"This is what it's all about; this is the type of game you want to play in," said Graham. "This is why athletes come to Pacific, to play in games like that. The ladies did multiple things great today, including staying together. It was an up-and-down game, but they kept their composure, had a sense of urgency the entire game, and found ways to get it done, even when things weren't going exactly the way we wanted. They found a way to turn it around, so I'm super proud of them."

Graduate student Lucy Davis, sophomore Hila Futorian and sophomore Szamira Koppány each had two goals for Pacific. Koppány's goals came in the first and right after halftime in the third. Futorian scored back-to-back goals in the third. Davis scored to close out the first half and, with 36 seconds left in the game to break the 7-7 tie and put the Tigers in the lead.

"Games like today are the reason we all play this sport. The passion, energy and emotion we played with today was unmatched, and it was an amazing team win," said Davis. "I can't wait to compete for a championship tomorrow with this amazing group of girls. Noemi [Alaksza] did a great job drawing that last exclusion and seeing the quick opportunity. I knew we needed a goal fast, and I just had to put it away."

Graduate student Brianna Utas found the back of the net in the second, and sophomore Ilyana Zlobinsky scored the tying goal with 2:11 left in the fourth, bringing the game to 7-7. Freshman Dora Alaksza sent a shot the length of the pool with seven seconds left in the game after LMU pulled their goalie. She scored, giving the Tigers their ninth.

"Today was about staying together as a group, knowing our roles and pushing each other to be our best. We accomplished that and more," said redshirt senior goalkeeper Clara Vulpisi. "It's a testament to who we are as a team and the work we've put into battle and fight for a championship tomorrow."

On Sunday, the Tigers will take on #1 Fresno State for the championship. For fans in Stockton, there will be a pizza watch party at The Lair in the Derosa University Center on Pacific's campus.

"Today was not easy, and tomorrow won't be either, but the main thing we need to do is go out there and enjoy the time we have together playing the sport we love," said Vulpisi. "That's what has made us successful so far and will push us to a championship tomorrow."

The championship game will be held at Aztec Aquaplex at San Diego State at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 30. Fans can find more information at the tournament central site. 

"This is why you train so hard; you've earned this opportunity to compete for a championship," Graham said in a message to his players. "Let's go out there and lay everything on the line."

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.