The UCLA women’s water polo team won against Loyola Marymount University with a score of 9-5 in their home finale, according to a March 29 announcement. The Bruins, ranked third nationally, limited seventh-ranked LMU to just five goals for the second time this season.
This victory was significant as it marked the last home game for UCLA’s 11 senior student-athletes. Four seniors contributed goals during the match. Bia Mantellato and Taylor Smith each scored three times, while junior Lauren Steele made nine saves for the Bruins.
The match began with senior Anna Pearson scoring early in the first quarter, followed by Smith and Mantellato. The Lions managed two goals in the opening period but were held to only one goal over the next two quarters. In total, Searle and Steele combined for five saves in a low-scoring second quarter that ended with UCLA ahead 4-2 at halftime.
UCLA dominated the third quarter by scoring four unanswered goals from Urbatsch, Smith (twice), and Lineback. The Bruins led by six entering the final period before LMU scored three consecutive times—including once on a penalty shot—but Mantellato completed her hat trick late to secure UCLA’s win.
The Bruins will finish their regular season on Saturday, April 4 against current top-ranked USC at Uytengsu Aquatics Center. USC leads conference standings with a perfect record; UCLA is tied with Stanford just behind.
