The UCLA women’s water polo team defeated Arizona State University 10-7 in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation match at Spieker Aquatics Center, according to a March 28 announcement.
The result marks another win for the third-ranked Bruins, who improved their record to 17-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The Sun Devils, ranked fifth nationally, dropped to 23-5 overall and 1-4 in the MPSF. Arizona State’s seven goals represented its lowest scoring output of the season.
Lauren Steele led UCLA with twelve saves, two assists, and one steal. Emma Lineback recorded her fourth hat trick in five games by scoring three goals and contributing four assists. Anna Pearson and Taylor Smith each added two goals for the Bruins. For Arizona State, Itziar Almeda scored four times while Keri Glad made three saves.
Lineback opened the scoring for UCLA early in the first quarter with a counterattack goal. Jojo Walters added another before ASU got on the board. Lineback converted a penalty shot late in the quarter to give UCLA a two-goal lead at 3-1.
Pearson responded quickly after an ASU goal early in the second period, followed by another from Smith. The Sun Devils narrowed their deficit with two consecutive scores but Lineback completed her hat trick before halftime during a six-on-five opportunity.
In the third quarter, Pearson and Smith again provided key goals as ASU attempted to close the gap. In the final period, Bia Mantellato and Elektra Urbatsch scored for UCLA while Steele stopped four more shots.
The Bruins will finish their home schedule against No. 7 Loyola Marymount University on Sunday at Spieker Aquatics Center starting at 1 p.m., with Senior Day recognition scheduled immediately after for eleven student-athletes and one sports medicine intern.
