STOCKTON, Calif. --- The climb was quick for the Eagles, who claimed the WWPA championship and automatic qualifying bid in their second season as a program. The team has earned a spot in the NCAA National Tournament with an opening round matchup on Wednesday at 1:00 pm against LIU.

"This team is very much deserving of being in the NCAA Women's Water Polo Opening Round in 2023," commented head coach Sarah Orozco.

The BU squad fought through the five other teams in the Western Water Polo Association to clinch their spot in the big dance. The conference tournament featured strength from Biola in all three rounds, as the Eagles took the crown by winning all three matches by at least four goals.

"Biola Women's Water Polo has seized great moments these past 2 years since its birth, specifically at the most recent conference championship tournament. This team has fought through much adversity and persevered with a growth mindset countless times in order to be where they stand today; achieving a conference tournament AQ and only a few days away from an NCAA opening round match," added Orozco.

Postseason accolades favored the Eagles, who placed four on the all-tournament team, including the tournament MVP in Marija Mijuskovic. The WWPA honored a plethora of Biola student-athletes at the conclusion of the regular season. Rachel Spadt led the way with a First Team All-WWPA honor, while Maria Roldan Gonzalez, Veralie Naranjo, Kourtney Pyle and Mia Mulhall all also received all-conference distinctions.

The 17-14 Biola Eagles will face off against the 22-12 Long Island Sharks on Wednesday at the Chris Kjeldsen Pool at the Douglass M Eberhardt Aquatics Center. The two teams will battle for the second time of the 2023 season.

The Claremont Convergence Tournament concluded with the matchup of the Sharks and Eagles back on March 4. BU entered the game on a six-game winning streak, its longest of the season, before facing the NCAA DI Sharks. The game was evenly fought through the first half, after an early lead from Biola. The Eagles scored four-unanswered goals to take a 6-3 lead in the early stages of the second quarter. LIU bounced back to even the game at eight, as the game transitioned to the second half. The difference came at the end of the third quarter, as LIU went on a run to take control. The Sharks won the two team's only battle of the season in a 16-13 final score.

Biola standout, Kourtney Pyle, was the highlight of the game against LIU, piling on six goals in the contest. The senior will look to have a significant impact in their nationals matchup, after leading the WWPA in scoring with 79 goals.

Orozco and her team are ready for the next step of taking on nationals, "This Biola 2023 team is meant to be at this tournament this year. The girls have prepared all year long for what they have already accomplished at the WWPA Conference Tournament and are ready for the next challenge opportunity at the NCAA tournament just a couple days away."

Biola will have its opportunity on Wednesday at 1:00 pm in Stockton, California when they open up the NCAA Tournament against LIU.