UCLA’s women’s water polo team secured a 12-9 victory over USC in the Triton Invitational championship on Sunday at UC San Diego’s Canyonview Aquatic Center. With this win, UCLA improved its record to 6-0 for the season and now holds a 57-42 advantage in the all-time series against USC.
Six different Bruins contributed goals during the match. Senior Taylor Smith led with five goals and one assist, totaling six points. “Smith added an assist to finish with a game-high six total points,” according to UCLA Athletics. Seniors Bia Mantellato and freshman Katherine O’Dea each scored twice, with Mantellato drawing a penalty, an exclusion, and recording a steal. O’Dea also drew an exclusion and provided two assists for four points in her first appearance against USC.
Junior Lauren Steele played as goalkeeper throughout the match, making 13 saves and allowing nine goals. The defensive effort was notable; three of USC’s goals were from penalties, two from 6-on-4 opportunities, and one at the final buzzer during a 7-on-6 play. In regular strength situations, UCLA outscored USC seven to three.
The Bruins established early control by leading 3-1 after the first period and shutting out USC in the second period to enter halftime up 6-1. Despite USC outscoring UCLA in the third period (3-2) and fourth period (5-4), UCLA maintained their lead for the win.
Looking ahead, UCLA will host UC Irvine for their home opener on Saturday, February 7 at Dirks Pool at Spieker Aquatics Center.
USC scorers included Ava Stryker with three goals, Rachel Gazzaniga and Emily Ausmus each with two, EJ Hourigan with one, and Morgan Netherton with one goal. No goalie statistics were available for USC.
For UCLA, goal scorers were Taylor Smith (5), Bia Mantellato (2), Katherine O’Dea (2), Carly McMurray (1), Emma Lineback (1), and Anna Pearson (1). Lauren Steele recorded 13 saves as goalkeeper.
