UC Merced (Exhibition)

Next Match:

UC Merced (Exhibition)

1/23/2026 | 5 p.m.


Jan. 23 (Fri) / 5 p.m.


 UC Merced (Exhibition)

History

STOCKTON, Calif. – Starting the season on a high note, the 19th-ranked Pacific women’s water polo program notched a 23-6 win over Fresno Pacific in the 2026 season opener Thursday at the Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
 
Pacific (1-0) scored the first four goals of the game and never looked back. The Tigers built a 12-4 halftime lead and extended it to 20-5 at the end of the third quarter.
 
Pacific saw 11 different student-athletes score a goal in the game. Leading the way were freshmen Sophie Pethers and Maria Ikonomou who set their career-highs at four goals apiece.
 
Recording hat tricks were juniors Chloe Morgan and Laia Marsinach Ortega. Junior Anna Crum and sophomore Lauryn Lucero tallied two goals apiece as Lucero also distributed a game-high three assists.
 
Also finding the back of the net for the Tigers was senior Amaya Leiby, junior Lily Van Putten, junior Millie Jacobson, junior Ella Cowan and freshman Eleni Ikonomou.
 
In net, sophomores Laurel Cooper and Lillian Ecklund played 16 minutes apiece and combined for seven saves.
 
The Sunbirds (0-3) were led by Regan Azevedo’s three goals. The Tigers improved to 21-0 all-time against FPU.
 
It was Pacific’s first season opener at home since 2020.
 
The Tigers will play in back-to-back days as they host UC Merced in an exhibition match Friday. The game begins at 5 p.m. and offers free admission for all.
 
Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474.  Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.

Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific women’s water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (@UOPWaterPoloU), Instagram (@pacificwaterpolo) and “like” the team’s official Facebook page (Pacific Women’s Water Polo).
 
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