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IRVINE, Calif. - The LMU women's water polo team finished the 2015 UC Irvine Invitational with a split on the final day against a pair of top-10 teams. The Lions return from the season's toughest test with a 9-5 record.

"This was the toughest tournament of the year. Annually it features the nation's best and this year might have been, top to bottom, the toughest it has been," said Head Coach Kyle Witt. The tournament featured all 16 team's in the nation's top-20. "We performed quite well in several aspects. We ran our defensive game plans well in our man-down and even-strength scenario. I am looking forward to our offense improving over the coming weeks."

The Lions opened with a 12-3 setback to No. 2 UCLA and then knocked off No. 16 UC San Diego, 10-7. On Sunday, the Lions opened with a hard-fought 5-4 win over Golden Coast Conference rival San Diego State. They then fell in a shootout against No. 8 San Jose State, 16-13.

"Jordan White had a great weekend for us in goal," said Witt. "She is starting to make not only the saves that we expect her to make, but also the saves that bail out out defense."

White had 18 saves on the opening day and then followed with 16 on Sunday.

Mackenzie Beck continues to score big goals for the Lions, helping them to yet another one-goal win on Sunday. She was the only Lion to score in all four games. "She continues to score big goals for us and help our defensive game with some solid match-ups," said Witt.

Laura Lopez led the Lions with seven goals while Ivana Castro had six goals with seven assists. Bridgette Alvarez added five.

"Ivana has been directing our offense spectacularly and making progress towards being one of the top two players in our conference," said Witt. "Laura is moving well on offense and is scoring consistently for us."

Alvarez, along with Erin Byrne, have paced the Lions at two-meter.

"Alvarez and Byrne seen to make something happen every time they touch the ball," said Witt/ "Whether it is earning an ejection or getting a solid shot on goal, they have been very productive for us."

The Lions will head to the at Tina Finali Invitational hosted by Cal Lutheran. They open with Chapman and Occidental on Saturday, Feb. 28 and then face Cal Lutheran and Claremont on Sunday, Mar. 1.

Game 17 (8:00 AM) - at Corona del Mar HS
#20 Loyola Marymount 5, #10 San Diego State 4

LMU goals: Castro (2), Beck, Alvarez, Lopez
SDSU goals: Israels (2), Gums, Hermann
Saves: White (LMU) - 6; Michael (SDSU) - 7

Game 25 - 9th place (1:30 PM) - at Corona del Mar HS
#8 San Jose State 16, #20 Loyola Marymount 13

LMU goals: Lopez (5), Beck (3), Byrne (2), Castro (2), Alvarez
SJSU goals: Seyfert (5), Lekness (5), Molnar (3), Robinson, Krappe, Espar Llaquet
Saves: White (LMU) - 10; Thompson (SJSU) - 4