In their first league qualifying tournament of the season, the UC San Diego Lady Tritons fired over to Arizona State University to compete against the other teams in the Southwest division. During the fiery weekend, the UCSD B team won two games against ASU (8-7) and San Diego State B (9-4) — with great remarks against their game against University of California, Irvine (6-7). UCSD A team went undefeated once again against University of Arizona (13-7), San Diego State A (4-3), San Diego State B (18-4), and UCI (10-5). Both teams fought with a lot of passion and had a PLANTtastic weekend to start off the season.

Under a blaze of glory, Gaia Hinds leads the scoreboard of the UCSD A team with 15 goals, with Kinsey “Kids Meal” Van Deynze and Cathleen “Pup” Nguyen with 8 goals a piece. Goalies Amanda “DuWALL” Duval had 21 blocks and Lian “Brick” Lumada had 11 blocks. Off to a slow start, UoA began to put points on the board putting the Lady Tritons on edge. However, as the Tritons started to pick up the pace, they blazed through the game, improving their communication, defense and movement. Keeping the momentum, the A team went against their biggest rivals in their league, SDSU A. In the heated game, the Tritons were able to fend off the Aztecs with Duval blocking 11 shots from SDSU. Alas, the Tritons smoked the Aztecs in a very close game. With many remarks all across the board, the UCSD A team lit up the pool with their comradery during their next two games leading them to victory.

Flared up, Nelly “Rocks” El Sakkary ignited the scoreboard with 10 goals for the UCSD B team. Following El Sakkary, Shannon “Cannon” O’Shea (Captain of the UCSD B team), and Emily Heinz with 5 goals. Goalies Jayna “Father” Kaveney had 13 blocks while Emily “Hic Hik Hooray” Hickey had 14 blocks. Sparks were flying in the pool for the B team as they took on the Sun Devils in their first match. B Team’s defense and communication led them to defeat ASU’s sharp team. In their next battle against UCI, the Lady Tritons fought hard against the Anteaters. They moved swiftly and came back strong in the third quarter. The Tritons held their own against a very competitive team, but lost by only one goal. They were fueled and ready to go the next day against SDSU’s B Team and won a scorching match against the Aztecs. UCSD’s B Team is looking hot for this season to come.

Next up, the Lady Tritons will play on their home turf in their next tournament before championships. They will play at the Triton Pool competing for first seed this coming March. Be sure to come and support your UC San Diego Lady Tritons!