UCLA men’s water polo began its 2025 season with a 20-8 victory over Navy on Friday night at the Brian Bent Memorial Aquatics Complex in Coronado, California. This win extended UCLA’s record to 18-0 all-time against Navy.
Thirteen Bruins scored during the match, led by sophomore Bode Brinkema, who achieved a career-high four goals and added an assist for a total of five points. Redshirt sophomore Nate Tauscher started in goal for UCLA, allowing two goals in the first half. Redshirt freshman Joey Kent made his debut in the second half and allowed six goals. Official statistics were not available at publication time.
Redshirt senior Eli Liechty scored UCLA’s first goal of the season on a power play following an assist from redshirt senior Chase Dodd. After Navy tied it at 1-1, UCLA responded with four unanswered goals to close out the first period ahead 5-1.
In the second period, UCLA outscored Navy 4-1 to enter halftime leading 9-2. The Bruins opened with four consecutive goals before Navy ended the half with a late score.
The third period saw Brinkema complete his hat trick as both teams exchanged goals throughout, resulting in a 15-6 advantage for UCLA heading into the final quarter.
Freshman Jackson Harlan recorded his first collegiate goal early in the fourth quarter as UCLA finished with five more scores to secure a final margin of 20-8.
“Up Next: The Bruins head to the Triton Invitaitonal for two games tomorrow, starting with No. 14 UC Davis at 10:40 a.m. PT and concluding the weekend at No. 12 UC San Diego at 5:30 p.m. PT.”
Navy’s scoring was led by Kiefer Black with three goals; other contributors included Aiden Berry, James Mulvey, Aiden Day, Jack Reif, and Quinn Bartlett.
UCLA’s scorers were Bode Brinkema (4), Eli Liechty (2), Wade Sherlock (2), Chase Dodd (2), Vinnie Merk (2), Marcell Szécsi (1), Ben Larsen (1), Gray Carson (1), Max Matthews (1), Noah Rowe (1), Ben Liechty (1), Jackson Harlan (1), and Trey Doten (1).
Saves for both teams were not reported at press time.
