LONG BEACH, Calif. - They're back! The Concordia University Irvine women's water polo team dove into the 2024 season opener at the Long Beach Invite. The two matches of the day were against La Verne at 10:30 am and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 4:30 pm. Both events were held in the Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center, where each team was met with heavy intensity rain and winds of 13 mph.
LA VERNE | 15-8
Tessa Tavaglione won the first sprint of the season for the Golden Eagles. Using the momentum, Tamsyn Evezard scored a penalty shot on a five-meter attempt. The first official goal of the 2024 season was on the board! A few shots and turnovers kept the ball rolling for both teams. It wasn't until later when Andie Perreira saw the chance and scored on a power play.
Allie Gaetano and Shelby Richardson wasted no time in finding the back of the net, making it 4-3. Evezard closed out the second with a dynamic penalty shot and a goal with help from Sofia Dominguez. The energy was contagious. Tess Henke, Tessa Tavaglione, and Lily Ensley successfully added to Concordia's board. By the time the Golden Eagles and the Cougars were done, and the dust had finally settled, Concordia won the season opener 15-8.
CLAREMONT-MUDD-SCRIPPS | 9-15
Making a name for herself, Tamsyn Evezard scored the first CUI goal within the first two minutes of the match. Following suit, Andie Perreira sent the ball into the net assisted by Allyson Corbett. With help from Sophia Dominguez, Tess Henke was able to score another goal before the first period ended.
In the second period, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps gained possession off the sprint, but Dominguez saw the opportunity and successfully added another goal to Concordia's board. Despite the Athenas relentless offense, Abby Mammen and Melinna Galbraith made goals of their own to bump the score 6-9.
Unlike the first, the third period was full of turnovers for both teams. It could be anyone's game. Andie Perreira made her presence known with two back-to-back goals for the Golden Eagles. The Athenas put up a tough offense, but CUI had a different plan in mind. In a full circle moment, Tamsyn Evezard deposited a final goal in the back of the cage. The Golden Eagles only allowed two goals in the fourth period, making it 9-15. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps took the win.
The Golden Eagles are just getting started! Next up is the UCSD Triton Tournament held on Friday, February 2 in La Jolla. The tournament's opponents and times are to be announced later this week.
CLICK HERE for the full 2024 women's water polo schedule.
