USC women’s water polo came into the weekend 4-0 against the nation’s top five teams. Against No. 4 Cal on Saturday, the Trojans had a chance to move to 5-0. They didn’t disappoint.
USC toppled the Golden Bears for a second time this season, solidifying itself as the only undefeated team in the MPSF conference.
For the Trojans, junior center Rachel Gazzaniga and sophomore attacker Emily Ausmus were the top scorers of the game, each marking an impressive three goals.
The Trojans took the first possession as Ausmus reached the ball in the initial swim-off and converted the play to a penalty goal. The goal gave USC the lead only 13 seconds into the first quarter.
Exactly two minutes later, an assist from sophomore utility Maria Bogachenko to junior attacker Julia Bonaguidi led to the first goal for Cal, tying the score 1-1.
An exclusion from Cal created a power play opportunity that USC was able to capitalize on, with an assist from senior attacker Maggie Johnson for sophomore center Alma Yaacobi to score the Trojans’ second point of the game. But the Golden Bears tied the game again as the open goal post left for an easy score for freshman utility Eszter Varro. USC did not hesitate, responding twelve seconds later with a goal from sophomore attacker Ava Knepper to put the Trojans in the lead once again.
Another power play opportunity for the Golden Bears resulting from an exclusion for USC gave senior attacker Abbi Magee the chance to score another goal for Cal. Magee took advantage and tied the score again 3-3. Throughout the game, both teams remained aggressive, attempting to take the lead on the scoreboard.
For USC, Gazzaniga and senior utility Sinia Plotz would deliver the last two Trojan goals in the first quarter, but Cal responded with goals from Varro and Bogachenko to close the first quarter 5-5.
Entering the second quarter, the Trojans fought to keep possession of the ball to break the tie and put USC ahead.
When asked about what strategies the Trojans planned entering the second quarter after an intense scoring battle during the first, Gazzaniga said the team doesn’t focus on any mistakes, but rather trusting their abilities to compete defensively and offensively.
“We know what we’re capable of, so I think just reminding each other of that,” Gazzaniga said. “Also having next play mentality. Whatever happens on defense, forget about it and let’s focus on the next play…where we can get a goal or big stop.”
USC took first possession of the ball in the swim-off, converting the play to a penalty shot for Ausmus to put up the first goal of the second quarter. The Golden Bears had a turnover that created two scoring opportunities for the Trojans, but shots from both Ausmus and freshman attacker EJ Hourigan were blocked by Cal redshirt sophomore goalie Talia Fonseca.
Cal tied the score at 6-6 with a goal from sophomore attacker Rosalie Hassett, but the Trojans went on a three-goal scoring run fueled by a goal from Knepper and two from Gazzaniga. A goal from Hassett left the Golden Bears trailing the Trojans 9-7 at the end of the second quarter.
USC was able to maintain the lead throughout the third quarter. Yaacobi took advantage of a defenseless goal post to push the Trojans’ lead to 10-7. The final four goals of the third quarter alternated back and forth between the Trojans and Golden Bears, with USC maintaining the lead.
Ausmus’ second chance attempt to score in the fourth quarter marked the final goal for USC, as she put her team up 14-9. In the final minute, Varro scored a goal for Cal, but USC sealed the 14-10 victory. With the win, the Trojans improved their overall season record to 20-2.
“We’re really excited to play UCLA at home,” Ausmus said. “Finishing out the regular season and keeping that No. 1 ranked spot is really important to us going into MPSF and NCAA [tournaments].”
The Trojans will host cross-town rival No. 3 UCLA on April 4 in their final regular season game. UCLA is responsible for the Trojans’ two losses this season.
USC currently holds a 5-0 record in the MPSF conference and will compete for the conference title during the MPSF Tournament from April 10-April 12 at the Spieker Aquatics Complex in Berkeley, California.