‘Eaters Journey to Fresno for Season-Opening Polopalooza Event

No. 8 UC Irvine kicks off the 2026 season at Polopalooza in Fresno, Jan. 17-18. The ‘Eaters will face No. 12 San Jose State at 9:30 a.m. earlier than assembly with event hosts No. 7 Fresno State at 5 p.m. on Saturday. UCI will then tackle No. 10 Indiana at 8 a.m. earlier than clashing with No. 5 California at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. 

ANTEATER TIDBITS

• UCI completed second within the Big West final season with a 5-2 convention document and 15-13 general.

• The ‘Eaters recorded 413 targets in 28 video games performed in 2025, a brand new greatest in single season historical past.

• UC Irvine has posted a successful document for 20 straight seasons.

• Junior Lauren Hett leads the way in which as an All-American and first workforce All-Big West choice. 

• The Anteaters additionally welcome again All-Big West picks Madi O’Hara and Pippa Heaver.

IN THE RANKINGS

UCI is tied for eighth within the Preseason Collegiate Water Polo Association rankings launched on January 14. The ‘Eaters had been additionally tied for eighth within the remaining ballot of 2025.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS

No. 12 San Jose State posted a 13-13 document in 2025 and welcome again two of the squad’s prime scorers. Junior Darcy Spark led the Spartans final season 73 targets, 40 steals, and 12 assists and earned an All-America Honorable Mention honor. Sophomore Bridget Cranley completed because the second main scorer for San Jose State with 41 targets whereas including 4 assists and incomes an All-America Honorable Mention choice. The ‘Eaters met with the Spartans in 2024 which noticed UCI come out on prime, 12-4. 

No. 7 Fresno State posted a 14-8 document final season and return three-time All-American senior Hailey Andress. Andress was second on the workforce with 65 targets, including 26 assists and 20 steals. The Bulldogs additionally welcome again junior goalkeeper Ida Tully-Giles who posted a 9-5 document with 104 saves. The ‘Eaters final confronted Fresno State in 2024 when UCI dropped 4-11 to the Bulldogs. 

No. 10 Indiana completed with a 17-12 document in 2025 and welcome again the workforce’s prime two scorers. Senior Louisa Downes led the squad with 56 targets, 29 assists, and 13 steals. Senior Grace Klingler completed second on the workforce with 35 targets, 33 steals, and 20 assists. The Anteaters have not confronted the Hoosiers because the 2019-20 season the place UCI defeated Indiana, 12-7. 

No. 5 California put up a 19-6 document in 2025 and return two of the squads elite scorers. Sophomore Maria Bogachenko finsihed third on the workforce with 38 targets and earned a MPSF All-Newcomer distinction in her freshman yr. Junior Julia Bonaguidi recorded 36 targets to complete because the fourth main scorer for the Golden Bears. California additionally welcomes again redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Talia Fonseca who totaled 186 saves and earned an All-MPSF Honorable Mention distinction. The ‘Eaters fell to the Golden Bears final season, 10-20. 

PRESEASON HONORS

Junior attacker Lauren Hett was named to the seven-member Preseason All-Big West Team as voted on by the convention’s head coaches. Hett is coming of a 2025 marketing campaign during which she led the ‘Eaters with 67 targets and 97 factors. Last yr, she additionally earned a third-team All-America choice and an All-Big West First Team honor. Hett was additionally the primary participant in program historical past to be named to the watch record for the distinguished Peter J. Cutino award in 2025. 

MINDING THE NET

UCI welcomes again junior goalkeeper Ella Walker and sophomore goalkeeper Mayezie Loggins. Walker appeared in 11 video games in 2025, logging 160 minutes within the cage with 60 saves. Loggins appeared in a single sport for the Anteaters and recorded two saves. UC Irvine additionally welcomes two new faces between the pipes, freshman Annie Peak and CJ Sirls, who look to have an effect in internet this season. 

OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER

With current rule modifications selling offense, the Anteaters recorded 413 targets in 28 video games performed within the 2025 season, a brand new greatest in single-season historical past. Last yr’s squad additionally averaged 14.8 targets per sport, a brand new single-season document. The 2026 ‘Eaters goal to construct on the offensive momentum generated final season. 

NEW FACES, NEW ROLES

The 2026 roster options eight newcomers this season who look to make an instantaneous affect. The squad added two goalkeepers, Annie Peak and CJ Sirls, together with heart Jess Reagan and defender Chloe Patist. The ‘Eaters additionally welcomed 4 attackers: Sydney Hagan, Anya Frey, Michelle Urkov, and Marisol Cowles. 

ALL-BIG WEST RETURNERS

The Anteaters return three All-Big West honorees from the 2025 squad.  Lauren Hett was named to the primary workforce, and Madi O’Hara garnered honorable point out distinction. Pippa Heaver was chosen to the All-Big West Freshman Team in her rookie season 

UP NEXT

The ‘Eaters journey to UC San Diego for the Triton Invitational, Jan. 30-Feb. 1.