Spirits were high at Uytengsu Aquatics Center Saturday afternoon as USC women’s water polo defeated UC Irvine in a 16-5 win. The Trojans moved to 9-0 on the season with their first home win.
USC had the upper hand early on. In the first two minutes, redshirt junior 2-meter Tilly Kearns kicked off the offense with a 6-on-5 goal. The Trojans finished the first period with a penalty shot and 2 more goals, earning a 3-goal lead. Kearns, an Olympian returning for her third season at USC, contributed 2 more goals over the course of the game.
In the second period, the Trojans kept the lead going even after the Anteaters chased back two points. Irvine called a full timeout five minutes into the period, but it did not stop the Trojans from finishing strong with a 9-5 lead at half.
The Anteaters collapsed in the second half.
After scoring with just one second remaining in the second period, redshirt junior driver Alejandra Aznar tacked on another goal in the third period, 1 of 5 USC goals in that frame. She moved her season total up to 15 goals, tied for second-most on the team.
By the end of the third period, USC had a total of 6 steals, catching the Anteaters off guard in transition. At this point, it was clear that there would be no comeback for Irvine, as the Trojans carved out a dominant 14-6 lead.
As a team captain, Kearns commented on the keys to her team’s success.
“We didn’t play their game but kept doing what we’re good at, which is counter-attacks,” Kearns said. “So, by the end of the game, we wore them down.”
While experienced players had their share of action in the water, young guns enjoyed their highlights as well. In the first period, freshman utility Maggie Johnson secured the third goal. Just five minutes into the fourth period, freshman goalie Jada Ward set a new career high with 4 saves.
With 33 players on the roster, Aznar emphasized being a leader for the younger members of the squad.
“The young girls are eager to learn,” Aznar said. “The older [players] give examples and help them. Everyone in the team can rely on any of the more experienced teammates.”
Kearns’ last goal put the Trojans’ ahead 15-5, tripling Irvine’s total.
“I got a turnover, so I just capitalized on defense,” Kearns said. “I knew I had time, but not too much time because someone was right behind me. I read the goalie and put the ball low, which is what my coach has been telling me to do all week.”
The team has high expectations for this season. Aznar affirmed that it’s championship or bust.
“We won’t be happy with anything that is not winning a national championship,” Aznar said.