STANFORD — For the first time since 2017, the top-ranked UCLA will face the second-ranked USC for the men’s water polo national championship. In the semifinals, the Bruins mounted a comeback to defeat No. 4 Stanford (22-5) with a score of 17-14, raising their series record against the Cardinal to 84-92. Eight players from UCLA […]
STANFORD — For the first time since 2017, the top-ranked UCLA will face the second-ranked USC for the men’s water polo national championship.
In the semifinals, the Bruins mounted a comeback to defeat No. 4 Stanford (22-5) with a score of 17-14, raising their series record against the Cardinal to 84-92. Eight players from UCLA scored during the match, with freshman Ryder Dodd leading the way with six goals and seven points in total. Stanford took an early lead of 5-2 by the end of the first period. Nonetheless, the Bruins have dominated their challengers with a 119-67 scoring advantage in the second period leading up to today’s contest.
In the other semifinal, the Trojans narrowly beat No. 3 Fordham in overtime. USC started strong with two initial points, propelled by three consecutive goals during overtime. Junior Andrej Grgurevic achieved a personal best, scoring five goals. Fordham had maintained an undefeated record this season before today’s defeat against the Trojans. With a record of 23-5, head coach Marko Pintaric celebrated his 100th win leading this program.
The No. 2 Trojans advance to the championship match for the 18th time in the last 20 years of NCAA tournament participation.
UCLA and USC have clashed in the NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship final six occasions, with UCLA emerging victorious 7-5 in 2021. UCLA has triumphed in the last two final encounters.
USC claimed victory in 2018, overcoming Stanford University 14–12 to secure their 10th national title in that match. UCLA’s latest national championship was in 2021 against the Trojans, marking their 12th national title.
The championship match is set for tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. PST at Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford, broadcast on ESPNU.
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