HONOLULU, Hawai'i - The University of California, Riverside (UCR) Highlanders crossed the Pacific to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa for a bout against the Rainbow Wahine at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Saturday January 21.

The Wahine jumped onto the scoreboard first, landing a pair of layups before Jordan Webster sunk a three pointer to get the Highlanders on the board. The first period wrapped up with the Wahine in a 14-12 lead. 

The Bows took charge in the start of the second period with a six point run, setting UC Riverside back 20-12. Late in the quarter, a jumper by Anna Blount followed by a three-pointer from Paris Atchley helped make a dent in the deficit. The Highlanders headed into the locker room at halftime down 30-23.

Throughout the third period, the Highlanders held on while putting forth their strongest offensive effort of the game, getting within four points of the Bows and scoring a game-high 17 points in ten minutes. 

In a nine point Highlander run, Mel Finau dropped a three pointer and Anna Blount pitched in with a layup and shot four for four from the free throw line in the final four minutes of the quarter. The Highlanders were down 44-40 heading into the fourth period.

The Highlanders battled for an edge in the final stretch but couldn't overcome the Rainbow Wahine, who won with a final score of 55-51. 

Matehya Bryant, Jordan Webster and Anna Blount each contributed 10 points to lead their team in scoring. Webster led the Highlanders defensively with 8 rebounds, while RyAnne Walters chipped in four assists.

The Highlanders return to the mainland and remain on the road, traveling to UC San Diego on January 28 to face off with the Tritons with tip off scheduled for 2:00 PM.