UCLA’s women’s water polo team secured a place in the Triton Invitational championship game after defeating two top-ranked opponents on Saturday at UC San Diego’s Canyonview Aquatic Center. The Bruins, ranked No. 3 nationally, first overcame No. 6 Arizona State with a score of 15-8 in the morning and later beat No. 5 Hawai’i 14-5 in the evening.
In their matchup against Arizona State, seven UCLA players contributed goals. Senior Taylor Smith led with a career-high six goals, while senior Anna Pearson added three goals and one steal, also drawing three exclusions and one penalty. Junior Lauren Steele played as goalkeeper for the entire match, making 11 saves and two steals.
The Bruins trailed by one goal after the first period but gained momentum to lead 7-5 at halftime. They continued to extend their advantage through the third and fourth periods, ultimately winning by seven goals.
Against Hawai’i, eight Bruins scored, including Bia Mantellato—who transferred from Hawai’i—leading with four goals. Freshman Katherine O’Dea, senior Genoa Rossi, and redshirt senior Emma Lineback each scored twice. Steele started as goalkeeper again for three quarters with seven saves; junior Joey Niz took over in the fourth quarter and recorded four saves.
Following these victories, UCLA improved its historical records against both teams: now holding a 36-2 record versus Arizona State and a 60-4 record against Hawai’i.
The Bruins are set to face No. 2 USC (8-0) in the championship game on Sunday at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
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