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Ibarra smiling
Samantha Rainey
9
St. Francis (PA) SFU (11-9)
10
Winner Biola BU (3-13)
St. Francis (PA) SFU
(11-9)
9
Final
10
Biola BU
(3-13)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
St. Francis (PA) SFU 3 0 3 3 9
Biola BU 1 4 3 2 10

Game Recap: Women's Water Polo | | Ethan McGarvey, Sports Information Director

Ibarra Wins It

A buzzer beater put an exclamation point on the end of Biola’s win over Saint Francis, as Myah Ibarra won it for BU.

LA MIRADA --- Friday's home opener for Biola Women's Water Polo was an electric tussle between the Eagles (3-13) and the Saint Francis Red Flash (11-8). Despite leading for nearly the whole second half, Biola needed a game-winning goal from Myah Ibarra to put the Eagles back in the winning column.

"It was exciting that we were able to get the win," said Head Coach Sarah Ramirez. "We definitely have a lot more exciting moments coming, as we are still working on our team cohesiveness and culture to fully execute."

The opening goal belonged to Biola, as Veralie Naranjo sparked the offense early. The senior gave BU a lead in the first two minutes with the help of Ava LoBue.

Saint Francis responded and took control for the rest of the first quarter. Three-unanswered scores for the visitors through a five minute stretch gave the Red Flash a 3-1 edge through one period.

Myah Ibarra stepped up to aid the Eagles' cause in the second stanza. The sophomore utility broke away from the crowd for a close-up goal, tying the game at three, following a goal from Christina Cervantes. Ibarra's quick pace brought another opportunity on the next possession, drawing a five-meter penalty. Naranjo took the shot for Biola and found the back of the net for a 4-3 Biola lead.

With the first half nearing an end, the Biola squad cashed in one more time. Alyah Ibarra added to the BU lead with under 30 seconds on the clock, utilizing a pass from Cervantes.

Coming out of the break, Saint Francis looked to return to form, scoring on its first possession. The quick goal put the visitors back within one at 5-4.

Answering right back, Naranjo nabbed her third goal of the game on Biola's next opportunity. Gwendolynn Pidd netted the next score on a rebound for a 7-4 Biola advantage. 

Myah Ibarra continued to push the pace, adding another goal in the third quarter, as the Eagles entered the final period, leading 8-6.

Saint Francis would not go away, battling back again in the fourth. The Eagles were shutout for six minutes of the fourth and the Red Flash took advantage. Two goals for SFU knotted the game at eight with four minutes to go.

Cervantes finally ended the drought to put the Eagles back in control. With the clock ticking under two minutes, a breakaway opened the door for Biola. Naranjo handed the ball to Ibarra, who dished it to Cervantes, who put it away for a 9-8 edge.

The Red Flash had one final chance to find an equalizer and they converted. The visitors brought out the goalie, who ultimately scored to tie the game at nine with 19 seconds on the clock.

The Eagles regrouped with a timeout and set up the offense for the game-winning offensive set. Passes along the outside led to Myah Ibarra with the buzzer looming. Ibarra got the final shot off in time. Perfect touch on the shot gave Ibarra the game-winning goal, as the ball gracefully soared over the goalie and into the net. The buzzer-beating game-winner was Ibarra's third goal of the game.

Ibarra shined with four points on Friday. The utility player went for three goals and an assist with three steals and a drawn exclusion.

"You could tell she (Myah) was hungry." commented Ramirez. "She is always a key player for us."

Naranjo also capped off the day with a hat trick with three goals on eight shots.

Alicia Fregoso recorded the win in the cage, logging all 32 minutes for Biola. The BU keeper picked up eight saves for a save percentage of .471.

The Eagles will open up WWPA action in their next contest, facing Cal State Monterey Bay on the road next week on Saturday at 1:00 pm.
 
Gallery: (3-7-2025) WWP vs Saint Francis
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