LA JOLLA, Calif. - The No. 19 UC San Diego women's water polo team went 1-1 on the opening day of the annual Triton Invitational at Canyonview Aquatic Center on Saturday.

UCSD earned a thrilling 8-7 win over Loyola Marymount to open play before dropping a 10-4 decision to No. 5 Arizona State later Saturday afternoon.

Freshman Julia Kirkland led the Tritons offensively as the top scorer in both games, finishing the afternoon with five goals overall.

Sarah Lizotte added another three, as she scored the game winner againt Loyola Marymount in the final three seconds of regulation.

The Tritons extend to a 4-2 overall record on the year.

Game 1
The Tritons and Lions held true to tradition, playing a highly competitive match early Saturday morning.

Neither team held a lead greater than two goals throughout all four quarters. LMU led 2-1 at the end of the first quarter, UCSD earned its first lead of the game with a goal by Rachel Brooks with just 49 seconds remaining in the first half.

Both teams came back with increased energy, scoring a single-quarter high four goals apiece.

Defense took key attempts away from the Lions, feeding directly to UCSD's counter attack. Lizotte worked for inside water on the lefty side to score a lob with just 2.55 seconds remaining in regulation, which would not be enough to take the game to extra time.

Game 2
After a closely matched first quarter, ASU came out with five unanswered goals in the second, proving to be too much of a lead for the Tritons to make a comeback.

The two teams matched each other, with equal goals in both the third and fourth quarters

The Tritons will face UC Santa Barbara Sunday, Feb. 10 at 9:50 a.m. at Triton Pool to continue tournament play.

For Triton Invitational results, schedule and ticketing info, please visit the Tournament Homepage.

-- UCSDtritons.com --