MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's water polo team fell to Biola University 19-8 in the 2025 home opener on Saturday at the Aquatics Center.

The Bobcats (4-19) Claudette Asenjo and Kiryn Wicker combined for all eight UC Merced goals, scoring four goals each. Asenjo's hat trick was her third straight and fourth in her last five games. Wicker also had four hat tricks in her last five outings.

2024 WWPA Player of the Year Veralie Naranjo led Biola with seven goals.

After Biola found the back of the net first, Asenjo responded with two first quarter goals giving the Bobcats a 2-1 lead late in the opening frame. However, Biola tied the game before the first quarter buzzer to pull even.

The match remained tied 2-2 until Biola struck midway through the second quarter. The Eagles got hot after that, scoring four more times prior to halftime and shut out the Bobcats to take a 7-2 lead into intermission.

A goal from Wicker to start the third quarter ended the Bobcats scoring drought and brought the home team within four. Biola put two consecutive goals away shortly after, but the Bobcats matched Biola and it was 9-5 with two minutes to go in the third period.

The Bobcats were unable to cut into the deficit the rest of the way. Biola scored three late third quarter goals and outscored UC Merced 7-2 in the fourth quarter to solidify the 19-8 victory.

Freshman goalkeeper Amelie Ramirez finished with eight saves.

Melanie Torres added three assists and a career-high three steals. Breyenne Pierce had a career-high three assists.

UC Merced Goal Scorers: Asenjo (4), Wicker (4)

Looking ahead, UC Merced will play at Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, March 28. Opening sprint from the CSUMB Aquatic Center is scheduled for 1:00pm.