The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2025-26 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach in 2025-26 is sponsored by Watersafe Swim School.
Heading into the opening round of the Big West Women’s water polo championship, No. 2-seed Long Beach State wanted to make a statement playing in their home pool at the Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center.
For the first half, the Beach did just that as they scored nine goals in the second period before they cruised to a 18-5 victory on Friday afternoon.
“This is part of our plan coming in,” Long Beach State coach Shana Welch said. “Executing what we wanted to do on day one and setting the tone for the weekend. Great first half. I think we were able to get a lot of different folks in there, so it’s obviously what we wanted – to come out with the win and get a lot of people playing time. So we’re happy with the win and moving on to tomorrow.”
LBSU will be back in the pool on Saturday when they take on UC Davis in the semifinals as they look to return to the championship game for the third consecutive year.
“Championship weekend is like March Madness,” Welch said. “Anything can happen. Teams have to show up ready to play. UC Davis would be a great matchup. They had a strong second half against us earlier this season, so we have a lot of respect for them.”
Senior Elisa Portillo continued her historic career as she scored two goal in the opening period as the Beach took a 4-0 lead. Fellow senior Lucy Miszewski continued her strong play scoring her two goals in the opening frame.
It was a special day for Portillo playing at home because unlike most years when the team travels to the Big West Tournament – Portillo’s family was able to attend the game.
“I feel very grateful,” Portillo said of the tournament being in Long Beach. “My family came, all the international parents are here and usually they cannot come. So, I think it’s very cool that they are here. You can see that on the girls – everyone’s happy, everyone’s excited. So, I think it’s pretty good.”
That excitement translated to offense as Beach scored nine unanswered goals to start the game and pushed the lead to 13-1 at halftime after a 9-goal outburst in the second quarter. Portillo scored all of her game-high four goals in the first half, while Gaby Patenaude, Chiara Amoroso, Daniela Quinzada and Jermonie Billingsly (LB Wilson) scored as LBSU spread the ball around.
While the offense was on display, Long Beach State’s defense was impressive as the Beach shutout CSUF for a quarter and a half. Freshman Polina Synytsia continued her impressive season in the cage finishing the game with four saves in the first half.
With a comfortable lead, Welch focused on getting everyone some time in the pool and in the third period, the Titans outscored Beach 2-1. LBSU went back on the offensive in the fourth period as Amoroso completed her hat trick, while Hailey Multz (2), Angeliki Arroyo (LB Wilson) and Emma Seehafer scored to cap the victory for the Beach.
