Los Angeles, Calif. -The CUI Golden Eagles opened their 2026 season against one of the nation's top programs, falling 19–4 to No. T-8 Loyola Marymount on Saturday morning at the Burns Aquatics Center.
CUI 4, LMU 19
Despite the final score, the matchup provided valuable early-season experience for a young CUI squad facing a ranked opponent in a challenging road environment.The Golden Eagles showed composure and flashes of offensive execution throughout the contest, scoring once in each quarter against a deep and experienced LMU lineup. Anna Tyukasz led Concordia offensively with a strong all-around performance, tallying one goal and two assists including a penalty conversion late in the third quarter. Mia Hueston and Claire Gluzman also found the back of the net, with Gluzman opening the scoring for CUI midway through the first period to briefly even the match.
Defensively, Concordia battled through extended possessions and heavy pressure, drawing 10 exclusions and earning multiple power-play opportunities. Goalkeepers Jaden Soto and Marily Rodriguez-Garcia de Leon split time in the cage, combining for nine saves, anchoring the Golden Eagles' defensive effort. CUI also showed resilience in transition defense and physical play, matching LMU with nine exclusions drawn.
While Loyola Marymount capitalized on its advantages, Concordia continued to compete through all four quarters, using the contest as an important benchmark early in the season. The Golden Eagles will look to build on the lessons learned and carry that momentum into their next matchup later today.
CUI 19, WHITTIER 5
The Golden Eagles Explode for 19 Goals, Roll Past Whittier at Burns Aquatics Center and bounced back in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, delivering a dominant 19–5 victory over the Whittier Poets to even their early-season record at 1–1. Playing with pace, depth, and precision on both ends of the pool, CUI controlled the match from the opening sprint and never looked back.
Concordia set the tone immediately with a six-goal first quarter, overwhelming Whittier's defense with constant movement and balanced scoring. The Golden Eagles led 6–1 after the opening frame, using quick entries and efficient counterattacks to seize control. By halftime, CUI had stretched the advantage to 10–3, firmly establishing momentum and dictating the tempo of play.
Offensively, the Golden Eagles showcased their depth, with 12 different players recording at least one point. Emeline Smiley led the way with a standout performance, scoring four goals on five shots, including a pair late in the third quarter that helped Concordia pull away for good. Anna Tyukasz was equally impactful, finishing with three goals, including two penalty conversions, while Mia Hueston added three goals, one assist, and two steals in a strong all-around effort.
The attack was fueled by excellent distribution, particularly from Munroe Blem, who tallied two goals and three assists, and Kimorah Wong, who added a goal and an assist. Madison Emerson chipped in two goals, including the final score of the match in the closing seconds, while Hailee Pike capped a strong fourth-quarter sequence with a goal of her own after drawing multiple exclusions.
Defensively, Concordia was just as sharp. The Golden Eagles held Whittier to a .185 shooting percentage and limited the Poets to just five goals on 27 shots. In goal, Jaden Soto earned the win, allowing only one goal while making three saves in 16 minutes of action. Marily Rodriguez-Garcia de Leon and Tiffani Hunter each saw time in the cage as well, combining for eight saves and helping maintain pressure throughout all four quarters.
NEXT UP:
The Golden Eagles will compete next on January 30th in the UCSD Triton Tournament down south in La Jolla. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL CUI WOMEN'S WATER POLO SCHEDULE
