Box Score DAVIS, Calif. — The UC Davis women's water polo team fell to No. 13 UC Santa Barbara in the first Big West conference contest of the 2024 season, 7-5 on Saturday at Schaal Aquatics Center. 

The Aggies (6-13, 0-1) looked sharp to start, jumping out to a 2-0 lead after Gianna Nocetti and Tess Fundter scored back-to-back goals. 

The visiting Gauchos remained composed, and responded with three goals of their own to finish the first quarter with a 3-2 lead. 

Momentum remained on the UC Santa Barbara side, with the Gauchos scoring three more to take a 6-2 lead into the halftime break. 

Neither side scored in the third quarter as both defenses seemed to settle in. In the fourth quarter, UC Santa Barbara broke the cold spell, increasing their advantage to five with five minutes to play. 

The UC Davis offense began to show signs of life midway through the final period, as Fundter scored on a power play opportunity.

Madi Sparre and Grace Pelkey tacked on two more Aggie scores before the final horn sounded, but the Gaucho lead was too great to pull off the comeback. 

Nellie McAdams kept up her recent standard of play, recording nine saves, a steal and assisting on two goals. 

The Aggies are back at Schaal Aquatics Center this Friday, Mar. 8 to host the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine at 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.