RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine women's water polo team embarked on a new season Saturday against a pair of top ten teams at the Lancer Joust. The Eagles had a tough challenge right out the gate, facing No. 8 UC San Diego first and then coming right back to tangle with No. 1 USC.

CUI fought valiantly in its season opener against UC San Diego, but ultimately fell 19-4. Dailynn Santoro led the Eagles with two goals. Her first score came off a pass from senior Jade Jette to put the Green and Gold on the board late in the first quarter. UC San Diego however opened up an 11-2 lead by halftime.

Senior Lindsey Heaney scored her first goal of the season in the second period. Madison Ravelo, who was an All-GCC Freshman Team selection after leading the Eagles in scoring last year, also tallied her first goal of the year. Ravelo was coming off a spectacular campaign in the pool, where she scored 43 goals in 2019 and was also named an ACWPC Second Team All-American.

Kiara Espeleta started between the pipes and collected seven saves. She also made five steals against the Tritons.

After facing UC San Diego, the Eagles played again on Saturday against No. 1 USC. The Trojans came out firing and amassed a 12-2 by halftime. Newcomer Josie Miller scored the first two goals of her Concordia career with both coming in the first half.

However, the Trojans looked the part and ultimately earned a 25-2 victory. Espeleta finished with five saves.

The Eagles were predicted to finish eighth in the Golden Coast Conference preseason poll after claiming nine victories last season and will look to bounce back in their next contests on Saturday, Feb. 15 in the Bulldog Invitational. CUI will face Whittier College at 3 p.m. that day as well as the host Bulldogs of Redlands at 7 p.m.

Coach Dreason Barry's squad will play its first home game of the regular season on Friday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. against Toronto at the Woollett Aquatics Center.

For the full CUI women's water polo schedule, click here.