On Wednesday, the UCSB women’s water polo team played a nonleague game against Villanova University and claimed a 13-3 victory over the Wildcats.

Senior captain two-meter defense Mica Bell started the game with the first goal, which was immediately followed by five more Gaucho goals, closing the first quarter up 6-0. By halftime, UCSB’s victory was evident with its 11-1 lead. The win boosts the Gauchos’ overall record to 9-7.

“We did really well,” senior goalie Erin Enriquez said.

Enriquez tallied three saves throughout the game, ensuring the Gauchos’ strong lead. Goals were scored by sophomore utility Jennifer D’Anna, freshman two-meter defense Aimee Stachowski, sophomore utility Erika Clark and junior two-meter defense Katy Kunkel. All of them found the back of the net twice. Also adding to the Gaucho conquest was Bell, sophomore utility Alaina Whitaker and freshman drivers Sarah Kovach, Annie Keining and Becca Maichrowicz all scored a goal each.

“We were all looking forward to the Villanova game,” freshman utility ZiZi Clark said. “It’s the middle of [the] season, and we are a young team trying to figure out who works best where.”

“The game was useful in preparing us for this weekend’s games,” Enriquez said.

This weekend, Santa Barbara will host two Mountain Pacific Sports Federation league games. On Saturday at noon, the #11 ranked Gauchos will play the Pacific Tigers at Campus Pool.

UCSB played Pacific this past weekend at the Santa Barbara Invitational Tournament and defeated them 11-3.

“We are very confident that we will play a good game against Pacific,” Bell said.

On Sunday at noon, UCSB will play #6 ranked Cal at Campus Pool.

Last year, Cal overpowered the Gauchos with a score of 6-3. This year, the girls are ready to play harder.

“We will play a great game against Cal; we have the potential. The game just depends on our mental strength,” Clark said.

“When we play against better teams, we tend to play better water polo,” Bell said. “We can do really well.”