IRVINE, Calif. – In Concordia's warmup before Saturday's WWPA semifinal, the Golden Eagles fended off a game UC Merced squad for a 12-9 exhibition win.

It was a balanced attack by the Green and Gold as the team tried multiple combinations against the Bobcats. Fourteen different Golden Eagles registered at least one point.

Munroe Blem and Cassady Woolley each scored twice and Blem led CUI with three total points. Anna Tyukasz added one goal and one assist.

Jaden Soto started the game in the cage and racked up six saves while playing the entire first period. Marilyn Rodriguez-Garcia de Leon and freshman Tiffani Hunter split time during the remaining three quarters and each made multiple stops.

Since this was an exhibition, the stats do not count for the 2026 season.

CUI will now face Cal State Monterey Bay for the third time this season on Saturday in the WWPA semifinals. That game will be at 12 p.m. PT before the second semifinal. The Otters defeated Gannon 15-13 in what ended up being a very tight contest after CSUMB opened up an early five-goal lead.

CLICK HERE for the WWPA Tournament Central webpage

The winners advance to Sunday's 1:45 pm WWPA Championship Game.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's water polo schedule