The final four minutes of the match were crucial in determining the trajectory of the Bruins’ season. A penalty goal by freshman attacker Ryder Dodd put the team ahead by two points, a margin that only increased in the remaining minutes of the game. With Dodd leading the way, the No. 1 seed UCLA men’s […]
The final four minutes of the match were crucial in determining the trajectory of the Bruins’ season.
A penalty goal by freshman attacker Ryder Dodd put the team ahead by two points, a margin that only increased in the remaining minutes of the game.
With Dodd leading the way, the No. 1 seed UCLA men’s water polo team (25-2, 5-1 MPSF) triumphed over No. 4 seed Stanford (22-5, 4-2 MPSF) in the NCAA semifinal on Saturday. The team achieved a hard-fought 17-14 win, securing their place in the championship match.
“We have several freshmen on our squad this year along with new grad students,” said redshirt freshman goalkeeper Nate Tauscher. “Integrating them quickly has been crucial, and I believe that’s a significant aspect of our success.”
Dodd scored six times during the match, leading the team in goals, while junior attacker Chase Dodd was instrumental in assisting five goals for his two Bruin teammates.
The younger Dodd’s performance was a highlight of his freshman season. His final goal was pivotal, allowing UCLA to regain the lead in the crucial final moments of the fourth quarter.
The semifinal clash was fiercely contested from start to finish, with both squads exchanging blows throughout. Echoing their previous encounters this season, the Cardinal struck first, seizing a 5-2 lead in the opening period.
However, UCLA quickly responded. Three goals in a row from different Bruins shifted the momentum, allowing them to tie the score at 5-5 as they entered halftime.
Taking advantage of UCLA’s turnovers, Stanford regained the lead in the second half. Nevertheless, the Bruins did not allow the Cardinal to hold the advantage for long, scoring consecutive goals that put Stanford one point behind going into the final period.
Graduate student attacker Jack Larsen kicked off the fourth period with a goal, while Tauscher aimed to find his rhythm in goal.
Ryder Dodd broke the tie established by Stanford’s two goals with two of his own in the match’s closing moments. Shortly after, redshirt sophomore attacker Frederico Jucá Carsalade scored on a counterattack, extending the Bruins’ lead to three points.
Stanford endeavored to mount a comeback with less than a minute remaining, but it was insufficient.
The Bruins clinched the win, earning their spot in the NCAA championship game.
Following this victory, UCLA moves on to Sunday’s title match, where they will face No. 3 seed USC. The championship showdown represents the Bruins’ final hurdle in their pursuit of their first NCAA title since 2020.
