The numbers would suggest that UCLA men’s water polo
doesn’t have a whole lot to play for. But that’s a
mentality the team’s avoiding as the postseason nears.
At 18-6 overall and 4-2 in conference play, the No. 3
Bruins’ postseason position is pretty much decided. They have
already secured their bid in the eight-team conference tournament
that leaves out the bottom team. In order to have a shot at the
national title, the team will then have to win the conference
tournament outright.
The Bruins, however, will not be at a loss for motivation this
weekend. Before facing off against Pacific on Sunday, they will
play host to USC, ensuring an exciting weekend in the water.
The UCLA-USC rivalry translates verbatim to men’s water
polo, where the defending national champion Bruins and the
top-ranked Trojans are perennially fighting near the top of the
collegiate ranks.
“It’s as big as ever,” junior goalie Will
Didinger said. “The rivalry against ‘SC in water polo
is like it is in any sport ““ it’s huge. Everyone gets
into it, and it’s just a lot of fun.”
This year has been strange for the crosstown rivals. The two
teams that usually face off several times will be meeting for the
first time this year on the last weekend of the season.
“This is the first time since I’ve been here that we
have not played them until this point in the season,” coach
Adam Krikorian said.
The Bruins have had a strong season thus far, especially at
home. UCLA currently holds a 20-game winning streak at Sunset
Canyon Recreation Center and hope to raise the number to 22 with
the final two games of the season at home.
On the road, the Bruins have had more inconsistent gameplay and
have been on the wrong end of some close matches.
After losses, though, UCLA has never stayed down for long.
“I’m very proud of these guys and their ability to
bounce back after tough losses and to come out well,” said
Krikorian. “I think that shows a lot of heart and character.
It’s similar to the football team. They showed a lot of
character themselves in coming back and beating Arizona
State.”
Though similar in that respect, when it comes to playing the
full four quarters men’s water polo has been the polar
opposite.
Where the football team would start sluggishly and come back
late with thrilling heroics, men’s water polo has come out of
the gates well all season long but has had trouble holding on to
late leads.
The Bruins have one last weekend to tune up for the postseason
and iron out whatever issues remain before the mad dash to defend
their title.
“There’s still a lot of season to go. And
(it’s the) most important part of the season,”
Krikorian said.