As USC holds a 16-11 edge over a determined Cal Baptist team late in the final quarter at Stanford University’s Avery Aquatic Center, earlier quarterfinal encounters in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship have paved the way for an exciting semifinal faceoff. UCLA, the top seed, showcased their offensive strength with an impressive 20-3 […]
As USC holds a 16-11 edge over a determined Cal Baptist team late in the final quarter at Stanford University’s Avery Aquatic Center, earlier quarterfinal encounters in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship have paved the way for an exciting semifinal faceoff.
UCLA, the top seed, showcased their offensive strength with an impressive 20-3 win against Salem University. Freshman attacker Ryder Dodd and graduate student Makoto Kenney led the Bruins’ offense, both scoring multiple goals. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Garret Griggs solidified the team’s efforts, significantly curtailing Salem’s chances and demonstrating the Bruins’ fortitude. This emphatic victory propels UCLA into the semifinals, where they will meet Stanford.
In the following quarterfinal, the host team Stanford took full advantage of their home-pool edge, defeating Princeton 16-8. The Cardinal’s offensive charge was led by redshirt seniors Soren Jensen and Jackson Painter, both hailing from Orinda, California. Jensen, a Campolindo High School graduate, and Painter, a former rival from Miramonte High School, have seamlessly transitioned from high school competitors to college colleagues, a shift that has played a crucial role in Stanford’s achievements this season.
The eagerly awaited semifinal battle between UCLA and Stanford is set for December 7 at 5 p.m. PT at Avery Aquatic Center. Fans can catch the action live on NCAA.com. As both teams aim for a place in the national championship, the guidance and input from key players will be essential in navigating the challenge ahead.
For further details and updates, visit uclabruins.com and gostanford.com.
The journey through the NCAA Men’s Water Polo Semifinals has been thrilling, underscoring the importance of preparation, resilience, and unity in achieving success. Keep an eye on Stanford and UCLA as they continue to vie for the championship—you won’t want to miss it!