Women's Water Polo Ready To Play First Game After Break

The No. 3 Trojans will host unranked Long Beach State Thursday night to kick off a weekend of games, including a visit to Arizona State and a home match against Loyola Marymount. The team is 12-3 on the season and have outscored opponents 180-77 so far.

The visiting 49ers are 7-10 overall and 0-33 when facing USC, including a loss earlier this season at the UCI Invitational. They are on a four-game winning streak with leading performances from junior Melissa Matheson, who has 31 goals this season, and sophomore Chelsea Parks, with 25 goals.

USC has played strong in the beginning of what looks like another successful season, with wins over top-ranked California, San Jose State, and Hawaii. The team's only losses have been to No. 1 Stanford and No. 2 UCLA. The Trojans boast an array of offensive threats, including sophomore Kaleigh Gilchrist and freshman Monica Vavic, both whom have 23 goals on the season.

In an interview with ATVN, Gilchrist commented about the importance of the final month of the season, saying, "Every game is really crucial. Every practice counts."

USC must face Cal and Stanford again on its way to the MPSF Championships in late April. A weekend of wins will push the team forward in a season that will assuredly come down to a battle between the California power houses.

The Women of Troy play at McDonald's Swim Stadium Thursday at 5pm.