April 12, 2002

LOS ANGELES - Senior Aniko Pelle scored three goals as the No. 2-ranked USC women's water polo team defeated No. 11 Hawai'i, 9-1, Friday afternoon at McDonald's Swim Stadium in the final conference match of the season. With the victory, the Trojans improve to 19-3 overall and 10-1 in the MPSF, while the Rainbow Wahine drop to 11-12, 5-6 in conference play.

USC got an early start by scoring the first goal at the 6:34 mark and led 3-0 at the end of the first period. The Trojans posted five goals in the second period and one in the third, while Hawai'i scored its only goal with 2:39 remaining in the third period on a shot by freshman Beth Novick.

All three starting seniors -- Pelle, Nina Wengst and Sofia Konoukh -- made significant contributions for the Women of Troy. In addition to Pelle's three goals, Wengst and Konoukh added two goals apiece.

USC will compete at the Long Beach State Tournament this weekend, April 13-14.

Hawai'i: 0-0-1-0-1
USC: 3-5-1-0-9

Hawai'i Goals: Beth Novick 1.
USC Goals: Aniko Pelle 3, Nina Wengst 2, Sofia Konoukh 2, Shelli Linza 1, Sandra Milicev 1.