RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The LMU women's water polo team will play for a conference championship on Sunday. The #18 Lions beat #16 Pacific, 10-5, in the semifinals on Saturday to upset the #2-seed and advance to the Golden Coast Conference championship game.
 
LMU converted a penalty goal in the first minute of play as Marialena Seletopoulou put the Lions ahead early. Pacific answered with two goals to take the lead before Mollie Williams tied the score at 2-2. Alena Sanchez scored with 16 seconds on the clock to push the Lions ahead, 3-2, after the opening quarter.
 
The lead grew in the second period as Yanah Gerber, Ruth Arino Ruiz, and Alena Sanchez scored three unanswered goals. Pacific added one back, but Kelsey Snelgar scored with 22 seconds remaining and Gerber added another in the final second of the half to give LMU an 8-3 advantage after 16 minutes.
 
The Tigers scored on their opening possession in the third but Williams again provided a response as the quarter's only other goal.
 
Williams completed the hat trick in final quarter as LMU earned the 10-5 win.
 
Madison Davis made 10 saves and added three steals in the win.
 
The Lions will play the top-seeded Fresno State for a trip to the NCAA Tournament Sunday at 1:00 PM from Lancer Aquatic Center.