| 2026 Big West Water Polo Championship Final - No. 1 Hawai'i 14, No. 2 Long Beach State |
Box score |
UH presser
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Top-seeded Hawai'i captured the 2026 Big West Women's Water Polo Championship with a 14-9 victory over second-seeded Long Beach State in Sunday's title match at the Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center.
The Rainbow Wahine controlled the tempo throughout, improving their record while securing the conference's automatic berth. Long Beach State capped its postseason run as the tournament runner-up after a strong showing through the opening rounds.
Hawai'i's balanced attack proved decisive, converting 14 goals on efficient shooting while limiting Long Beach State's opportunities with a disciplined defensive effort. The Beach stayed within striking distance early, but a pivotal second-quarter surge created separation that Hawai'i would not relinquish.
Long Beach State opened the match with strong offensive execution, as Chiara Amoroso and Rita Gurri each found the back of the cage in the first period to keep the score tight. Hawai'i responded with consistent scoring, led by Agatha Weston, to take a narrow advantage into the second frame.
The Rainbow Wahine broke the match open in the second quarter, erupting for five goals to extend their lead. Weston continued to pace the offense, while Gabrielle Doyle and Alia Burlock added key scores during the run. Hawai'i's defense tightened as well, holding the Beach to limited looks and forcing difficult possessions
Trailing at the half, Long Beach State mounted a response in the third quarter with three goals, including additional scores from Amoroso, who finished with a team-high three goals. Despite the push, Hawai'i answered each time, maintaining control behind timely scoring and strong play in the cage.
Daisy Logtens anchored the defensive effort with nine saves, helping Hawai'i withstand the Beach's attempts to close the gap. In the final period, the Rainbow Wahine sealed the outcome with clutch finishes from Weston and Burlock to secure the championship victory.
Weston delivered a standout performance with a game-high four goals, while Doyle and Burlock each added two goals. Ema Vernoux also contributed offensively, highlighting Hawai'i's depth.
For Long Beach State, Amoroso led the way with three goals, while Gurri added to the early momentum with a first-quarter score. The Beach showed resilience throughout but was unable to overcome Hawai'i's decisive second-quarter run.
With the win, Hawai'i claims the 2026 Big West Championship crown, continuing its strong postseason tradition and earning the conference's automatic bid to the NC Championship. Weston was named the 2026 Big West Women's Water Polo Championship MVP.