LONG BEACH, Calif. — 2026 Big West Women's Water Polo Championship host and No. 2 seed Long Beach State secured an 18-5 quarterfinal victory over No. 7 seed Cal State Fullerton at the newly-refreshed Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center on Friday afternoon. 

LBSU dominated the second quarter with nine goals to improve to 16-10 on the season, advancing to the semifinal round to take on the victor of third-seeded UC Davis and No. 6 seed CSUN on Saturday at 4 p.m.

The seventh-ranked Beach established an early 4-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, thanks to goals from Daniela Quinzada, Elisa Portillo, and Lucy Miszewski. The second quarter saw Long Beach State extend its lead with multiple contributions, scoring five more before Mia Solorzano put the Titans on the board with the score at 9-1. 

Despite Fullerton's efforts, including two goals from Destiny Hernandez, LBSU maintained control throughout, The Beach finished with 10 players netting at least one goal in the contest, scoring 18 on 34 shots in the game. 

Portillo led Long Beach State with four goals on as many shots, also contributing an assist, a block and three steals. Chiara Amoroso made an impact by scoring three goals and assisting once, while recording two steals. Miszewski was notable for her two goals, one assist, and securing two sprint wins. Gaby Patenaude added to the offense with three goals from four shots, drawing two exclusions. Angeliki Arroyo orchestrated the play with three assists and a goal.

For Cal State Fullerton, Hernandez led the team with three goals from six shots and an assist. Emme Doube-MacLeod stood out defensively, recording two steals and one block, while also assisting once. In goal, Renske Boxsem made eight saves as the Beach peppered the cage all afternoon. The Titans cap the season at 17-15.