![\"UC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/UC_Merced.png\")
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Next Match:<\/p>\n
UC Merced (Exhibition)<\/p>\n
1\/23\/2026 | 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
\n Jan. 23 (Fri) \/ 5 p.m.
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\n \u00a0UC Merced (Exhibition)
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History <\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n STOCKTON, Calif. \u2013 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. Stay Social
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\nPacific (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.
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\nPacific saw 11 different student-athletes score a goal in the game. Leading the way were freshmen Sophie Pethers<\/a> and Maria Ikonomou<\/a> who set their career-highs at four goals apiece.
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\nRecording hat tricks were juniors Chloe Morgan<\/a> and Laia Marsinach Ortega<\/a>. Junior Anna Crum<\/a> and sophomore Lauryn Lucero<\/a> tallied two goals apiece as Lucero also distributed a game-high three assists.
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\nAlso finding the back of the net for the Tigers was senior Amaya Leiby<\/a>, junior Lily Van Putten<\/a>, junior Millie Jacobson<\/a>, junior Ella Cowan<\/a> and freshman Eleni Ikonomou<\/a>.
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\nIn net, sophomores Laurel Cooper<\/a> and Lillian Ecklund<\/a> played 16 minutes apiece and combined for seven saves.
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\nThe Sunbirds (0-3) were led by Regan Azevedo’s three goals. The Tigers improved to 21-0 all-time against FPU.
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\nIt was Pacific’s first season opener at home since 2020.
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\nThe 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.
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\nTigers Tickets
\nTickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the\u00a0PacificTigers.com<\/a>\u00a0tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at\u00a0209-946-2474<\/a>.\u00a0 Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.<\/p>\n
For all the latest on Pacific women’s water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (@UOPWaterPoloU<\/a>), Instagram (@pacificwaterpolo<\/a>) and “like” the team’s official Facebook page (Pacific Women’s Water Polo<\/a>).
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#PacificProud
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