IRVINE, Calif. - The No. 17 UC San Diego women's water polo team finished play at the UC Irvine Invitational Sunday with a split, defeating No. 18 Pacific, 9-8, before falling against No. 15 Cal State Northridge, 9-6.

UCSD (5-7) was led by junior Sarah Lizotte, who scored four goals on the day. Classmate Melissa Bartow added three for the Tritons.

Freshman goalkeeper Courtney Miller played all eight quarters on the day, finishing with 16 saves, including nine against Pacific.

The Tritons came out hot against the Tigers, posting five goals in the opening quarter of the game. However, Pacific came back and the score was tied, 6-6, after two periods of play.

The third quarter saw the defense tighten up as both teams posted a single goal. UCSD was able to outscore Pacific, 2-1, in the final stanza to take the one-goal victory.

Lizotte and Bartow led the Tritons with two goals apiece while Brydie Pye had four for the Tigers.

UCSD led 2-1 after the opening quarter against Cal State Northridge. Like the day's earlier game, both squads were tied at the half, each netting four goals.

The Matadors returned from the break and exploded for five goals in the third stanza to take a 9-4 lead. The Tritons scored twice in the fourth period and held CSUN scoreless, but it wasn't enough.

Lizotte was again the Tritons' leading scorer with two goals.

UCSD returns to Canyonview Pool to host conference foe Loyola Marymount on Friday, Mar. 1, at 6 p.m. and UC Irvine on Sunday, Mar. 3, at noon.

Game 1
No. 17 UC San Diego 9, No. 18 Pacific 8
UCSD 5 - 1 - 1 - 2 = 9
UOP 3 - 3 - 1 - 1 = 8

UCSD Goals: Sarah Lizotte 2, Melissa Bartow 2, Alexis Wieseler, Emma Sasson, Jolene Guiliana, Laurel Kistler
UOP Goals: Pye 4, Smith 3, Martin

UCSD Saves: Courtney Miller 9
UOP: Relton 14

Game 2
No. 15 CSU Northridge 9, No. 17 UC San Diego 6
UCSD 2 - 2 - 0 - 2 = 6
CSUN 1 - 3 - 5 - 0 = 9

UCSD Goals: Sarah Lizotte 2, Melissa Bartow, Alexis Wieseler, Leah Gonzales, Emma Sasson
CSUN Goals: Janke 2, Nelson 2, Kammer 2, Ferreira, Henehan, Doll

UCSD Saves: Courtney Miller 7
CSUN Saves: Averell 14

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