Long Beach State Comeback Falls Short Against Top Seed Hawai’i In Big West Championship Game

Sunday, April 27

Irvine, Calif.

Noon

Long Beach State University

Hawai'i

Long Beach State

Hawai'i

Photo by: Devin Malast, @Devin.raquel_photo

Long Beach State Comeback Falls Short Against Top Seed Hawai’i In Big West Championship Game

4/27/2025 1:42:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

Box Score

The Beach held the ‘Bows to one goal in the second half.

By: Luiza Moraes - Athletic Communication Assistant

IRVINE, Calif. – Despite holding the top seed Hawai'i to just one goal in the second half, Long Beach State's late comeback fell just short in the Big West Championship game, falling 8-6.

Hawaii (21-4) found a quick outlet on the counter to score the first of the championship game. Long Beach State (17-11) found senior Jamie Oberman quickly after on an outside shot to tie the game. The Rainbow Wahine went on a 3-0 run to take a 4-1 lead with 3:50 left in the first quarter. Freshman Rita Gurri Capel found the back of the net to shorten the lead as the Beach trailed 4-2 after eight minutes.

UH held the Beach scoreless for the whole second quarter to extend their lead after three goals in the quarter and lead 7-2 after two quarters.

The third period saw a lot of action but lacked goals. LBSU defense worked well to stop the 'Bows momentum but offense struggled to get past UH's goalie Daisy Logtens.

Right off the sprint, senior Martina Cardona sneaked one in to shorten the lead to 7-3. Elisa Portillo added her first of the day to give the Beach momentum. Cardona completed a 3-0 run to put the Beach back within two with just under three minutes left. After almost two full quarters, the 'Bows scored on a penalty shot with one minute left, 8-5. LBSU continued fighting back with Potillo closing the gap with 44 seconds left.

Long Beach State closes the season ranked having ranked no lower than No. 8 all season and reaching the Big West Championship final in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history.