UCLA Hands USC Women's Water Polo First Home Loss

The No. 3 USC women's water polo team hit the pool on Wednesday for a cross-town showdown against No. 2 UCLA. With both teams suffering a loss to No. 1 Stanford, a win would advance them in the MPSF standings.

Unfortunately, USC fell to UCLA 6-4 giving the team their second loss in conference play. The Women of Troy finish the regular-season 22-2.

"We didn't execute our opportunities," said USC driver Monica Vavic. 

UCLA stole the lead in the third period and handed USC their first home loss of the season.

UCLA hands USC its first home loss of the season defeating the Women of Troy 6-4.

The loss puts the Women of Troy as the No. 3 seed entering the MPSF tournament as they suffered two losses in MPSF play (Stanford and UCLA). This sets up USC to play the No. 6 seed on April 25.

Both goalies made strong stands on the goal post combining for 25 saves. On senior day, senior Flora Bolonyai tallied 12 saves, which now ties USC's all-time leader in saves.

The Women of Troy do have an advantage going into the post-season as they will host the MPSF and NCAA championships. 

"It's a great advantage, we have so many people coming out and supporting us," said USC two-meter Kaleigh Gilchrist. 

The Uytengsu Aquatics Center will be home to the MPSF Tournament that will be held on April 25-27. The NCAA Tournament will follow on May 9-11. 

USC's quest to defend its conference and NCAA titles begin Friday (April 25) with game-time set for 12:30 p.m.