HAYWARD, Calif. – Cal State East Bay women's water polo returns will host nationally ranked No. 6 Division I squad Hawaii on Friday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m. Pioneers Head Coach Lisa Cooper played for the Rainbow Wahine and is excited to play her former team in front of the home crowd.

Rankings: CWPA Women's Varsity (Jan. 29)

"It is always fun to play Hawaii. I was fortunate enough to take my team to Hawaii three years ago during Spring break," said Coach Cooper. "I have always wanted to host them at East Bay. They are a very good program with a great history. It's going to be great."

Both squads will enter Friday having played one prior official contest. The Pioneers enjoyed an 11-5 season opening win over Fresno Pacific on Jan. 18, and the Rainbow Wahine will open their season on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Santa Clara.

Last season Hawaii earned a 16-5 win over Cal State East Bay at the Bronco Invitational in Santa Clara. If the Pioneers can pull off the upset, Cooper would earn her 200th career victory against her alma mater.

"It is going to be a very challenging game and will be a good indication of where we are in relation to one of the best teams in the country.  I expect my team to step up to the challenge and give the home fans a great game," said Cooper.