Polina Synytsia’s New Program Record Holds Off UC Davis For First Big West Win

Friday, February 27

Long Beach, Calif.

7 p.m.

Long Beach State University

7-8, 0-0

UC Davis

8-9, 1-0

UC Davis

Long Beach State

Polina Synytsia’s New Program Record Holds Off UC Davis For First Big West Win

2/27/2026 8:27:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

Box Score

The freshman goalkeeper recorded 22 saves for most saves in a single game in the program’s history.

By: Luiza Moraes - Athletic Communication Assistant

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Freshman Polina Synytsia's 22 saves held off a late surge by No. 16 UC Davis as No. 10 Long Beach State secured an 8-6 win in their first Big West match. Synytsia's new career-high is also the most saves recorded in a single game in program history.

After a back and forth of turnovers, Long Beach State (8-8, 1-0 Big West) found the back of the net with Lucy Miszewski and Gaby Patenaude to open a 2-0 lead over UC Davis (8-10, 1-1 Big West).

A three-goal run by the Beach opened a 5-0 lead early in the second before the Aggies cut the lead after scoring on an extra player opportunity. Chiara Amoroso and Daniela Quinzadaextended the lead for LBSU, 7-1 after two periods.

UCD got quickly on the board to shorten the margin, but a counter goal by Rita Gurri kept the Beach ahead, 8-2 with five minutes left. A late goal by Chelsea Johnson cut the margin to five with one quarter remaining.

Up 8-3 with one quarter remaining, Long Beach State saw the Aggies rally and fight back to make it an 8-6 game, but Synytsia's incredible game kept the Beach ahead and secured their first conference win.

The Beach will continue Big West play at home facing No. 5 Hawai'i (8-3, 1-0 Big West) Sunday, with first sprint scheduled for 11 a.m., with live stats provided through TheFOSH.net.