USC routs Hawai'i in Challenge final

By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i women's water polo team discovered yesterday what goes around comes around.

On the final day of the Rainbow Challenge at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex, Hawai'i routed a club team from the University of Washington, then got whipped by USC in the championship.

Sofia Konoukh, a freshman from Chelyabinsk, Russia, scored four goals as No. 3 USC routed No. 7 Hawai'i, 14-6.

"She's an Olympian, that speaks for itself," said USC coach Jovan Vavic. "She always comes ready to play and really plays at a different level."

Aniko Pelle added three goals for the Lady Trojans.

USC took a 13-1 lead after three periods by combining good ball movement and accurate shooting from just in front of the goal.

On defense, the Lady Trojans contested every pass and didn't allow the Wahine to get off high percentage shots.

"It was the best game we played in the tournament," Vavic said. "Our girls played much better defense. Our fast break was working pretty well and that opened up the game."

The Wahine showed signs of life in the fourth period by outscoring the Lady Trojans' reserves, 5-1.

"It was brutal," Hawai'i coach Shari Smart said. "We didn't play very well. Their first string is very tough. They are definitely national contenders."

Hawai'i had seven shots deflect off the posts or crossbar.

"We looked tired," Smart said. "Our schedule is very difficult. We were on the road last weekend, then we come home and catch up. Then we leave again in six days. It's starting to wear on us at this point of the season."

In an earlier match, the Wahine defeated Washington, 19-2.

Rebecca Angus scored four goals, and Chelsea Garner-Prohs and Jennifer Hodge each added three for Hawai'i.

"We expected it to be a lopsided game so the outcome was not a surprise," Smart said.

Ten different Wahine scored in the match.

"Everybody played and we got substantial playing time from our reserves," Smart said.

Hawai'i easily got the ball to players in the 2-meter area for point-blank shots.

The Huskies weren't able to get the ball close to the goal and were forced to take shots from long range. Four of their 20 shots deflected off the crossbar.

Wahine goalies combined to save nine shots.

"Hawai'i looked real strong, good hold defense, and a tough team to play," said Washington first-year coach Mike Wallen.

Washington has been a club team for five or six years, Wallen said.

The Huskies, whose roster is comprised of nonscholarship athletes, practice only six hours a week.

"We need to work on some things and stuff; it's tough where we're at," Wallen said. "We're a club team so we don't get as much time to practice."