Coming off a loss to crosstown rival USC in the championship
game of the Stanford Invitational, questions loomed over how the
UCLA women’s water polo team would respond. The Bruins’
top ranking was stripped, their perfect record ended, yet their
outlook on this season never once wavered. There is no sense of
urgency with six wins and one loss on the books. “We just
have a very good understanding of this season and the goals of this
season,” UCLA coach Adam Krikorian said. “The goal of
this season right now isn’t to win a championship. (In the
beginning of the year), we talked about (playing our) best in May
and that’s what we want to accomplish.” Krikorian and
players alike admitted not much has changed during practice. The
energy level has remained high and the focus has never changed. For
some, however, the loss to the Trojans (6-0) was a wake-up call.
“It’s a loss and we weren’t happy about it Sunday
night so now we’re doing whatever we can to prevent any more
mistakes in practice,” senior co-captain Kristina Kunkel
said. The theme of Wednesday’s practice consisted of going
for it and being aggressive. Krikorian made a specific point at the
end of practice to tell his players not to be hesitant, even if
they are going over new defensive and offensive schemes.
“We’re doing some new things that these girls
aren’t used to. They’re being hesitant,”
Krikorian said. “We just have to utilize speed and quickness
more.
SOPHOMORE STANDOUT: She’s the first one out of the pool
and on the way to the weight room. Driver Jillian Kraus, who earned
a starting spot this season, is seeing her persistency, work ethic
and willingness to learn pay off this year. This season, Kraus has
already netted 12 goals in seven games. Last season, her total
output was 27. “She’s a good example for the rest of
the team,” Krikorian said. “In the water, she’s
tough as nails. Really competitive. Very driven and has an
incredible desire to succeed.” During the offseason, Kraus
was a member of the USA Junior National Team that captured the
gold.
ROWE STILL SIDELINED: Sophomore center forward Brittany Rowe
will be out indefinitely because of chronic back spasms she has
suffered since the beginning of the season. Rowe had an MRI done
earlier this week and her results will be released today. Rowe, who
scored two crucial goals last season in the NCAA Championship game
against Stanford, is a critical member of this year’s squad
and that’s why Krikorian is taking extra precautions with
her. “We’re not going to rush into anything, it’s
a long season,” Krikorian. “We don’t want to risk
anything. She can be out for some time.”