VISTA, Calif. --- The Biola Women's Water Polo squad began play for the 2025 season on Saturday. The defense was led by Lizzy Birch, who pulled in a WWPA Defensive Player of the Week honor, as announced by the conference office on Thursday.

The senior kicked off her senior season with an all-around performance against a pair of NCAA DI foes in No. 3 USC and CSU Fullerton. 

In defense of the cage, Birch nabbed five steals and a field block between the two games. She recorded multiple steals in each game, and went for three steals and a field block against the Titans.

Birch's impact was also felt on the other end of the pool with two goals and an assist in game two on Saturday. On the day, the utility offered four points and four drawn exclusions.

The Eagles will be back in action on Friday, opening the Rainbow Invitational in Hawaii against No. 12 Arizona State at 6:30 pm PT.