Irvine, Calif.-----In its first action since February 3, San Jose State University split a pair of matches at the UC Irvine Invitational women's water polo tournament.

            The Spartans (7-4), #9-ranked nationally, lost to #8-Hawaii, 11-9, and defeated unranked CSU Bakersfield, 13-6.

            San Jose State's win on the first of the two-day, 16-team tournament came in its nightcap against the Roadrunners. The Spartans led from start to finish.

            Six players scored two or more goals. Sophomore Victoria Smith, one of two Spartans with five goals for the day, led San Jose State with three in the win over Cal State Bakersfield. Season-leading scorer Rae Lekness, who also had five tallies on the day, Anna Natalizio, Rachel Henry, Timi Molnar and Bianca Seyfert also scored twice against the Roadrunners.

            Goalkeeper Maddie Reardon was credited with 10 saves.

            San Jose State began the tournament leading Hawaii (6-3), 5-4 at halftime, but after yielding five third-quarter goals, trailed 9-8 with a quarter to go. Smith tied the score at 9-9 early in the final quarter with her second goal of the match, but two Rainbow Wahine power-play scores after that was the difference.

            The Spartans conclude play in the UC Irvine Invitational with a pair of matches on Sunday, February 24. 

UC Irvine Invitational women's water polo tournament

Irvine, Calif.

February 23, 2013

Goal Scoring
Hawai'i - Amarens Genee, 3; Emily Carr, Danielle Lewis, Paula Chilida Esforzado, 2, each; Cathy Lopes da Silva, Monika Eggens, 1, each.

San Jose State - Rae Lekness, 3; Victoria Smith, 2; Timi Molnar, Bianca Seyfert, Anna Natalizio, Kimber Methvin, 1, each.

Goalkeeper Saves
Hawai'i - Hannah Hogue, 9.

San Jose State - Maddie Reardon, 6.

Goal Scoring

CSU Bakersfield - Nicola Barrett, 2; Caitlyn Hill, Janelle Shelby, Amanda Nesbit, Sam Shead, 1, each.

San Jose State - Victoria Smith, 3; Rachel Henry, Timi Molnar,  Anna Natalizio, Rae Lekness, 2, each; Bianca Seyfert, Kelli Leabo, 1, each.

Goalkeeper Saves

CSU Bakersfield - Chiyeko Morisaki, 2.

San Jose State - Maddie Reardon, 10; Melanie Merritt, 1.