Last weekend’s win over No. 3 USC may have seemed like the ultimate victory for the UCLA women’s water polo team at the time.
But this weekend, No. 2 UCLA (20-1) may be facing an even greater challenge in No. 1 Stanford (19-1), with even more at stake.
On Saturday, UCLA will have the opportunity to claim the top overall ranking and avenge its only loss of the season with just three games remaining on its schedule. The team is expecting a close, low-scoring contest, like their last matchup of the season on Feb. 25.
“Stanford’s defense is really good,” senior Kacy Kunkel said. “I am expecting a defense battle. Our games are never really in the double digits ““ it’s pretty intense.”
UCLA and Stanford resemble each other in their style of play, and each has dominated the MPSF this year. Both teams use tremendous speed and solid defense to lock down opponents and then capitalize in transition.
“They are really similar to our team; it’s going to be like playing ourselves,” junior Courtney Matthewson said.
Despite the Cardinal’s speed, Bruin coach Adam Krikorian will not try to slow the pace of the game.
“We never try to slow it down,” Krikorian said. “We feel like we have the speed and anticipation to play at that high pace. If teams want to swim, we can do that, and if they want to slow it down, we can score in the half court as well.”
In the most competitive games, scoring on penalty situations and defending when at a disadvantage is a key to victory. UCLA was able to control those situations in defeating USC. But the last time the Bruins and the Cardinal met, Stanford scored on four of eight chances, while the Bruins scored on just one of eight.
“The 6-5 situation was the difference the last time we played,” Krikorian said. “I don’t know if “˜worried’ is the right word, but we’re working on some things to do a little bit better job this time.”
The Bruins were aided by a huge home crowd in their last victory over the Trojans, and they are expecting another electric atmosphere on the road in Palo Alto.
“I think it helps us when there is a big crowd, even on the road,” Kunkel said. “You get more amped for the game; it’s a different dynamic. The Stanford fans are pretty nuts, and their aquatic center is huge. It’s a different feel, but it’s always pretty exciting.”
The Bruins may once again rely on a persistent defensive effort led by senior goalkeeper Emily Feher. Krikorian will use a 10-player rotation, like he did against USC, to maintain the defense’s strength.
“When it comes down to these big games, every possession is important,” Krikorian said. “I’m going to play 10 players ““ it’s just a matter of how well certain people are doing and foul trouble. You have to weigh out all situations.”
UCLA has just two more games after Stanford ““ at No. 9 San Jose State on Sunday and at No. 7 San Diego State on April 20. For the Bruins, playing on the road is a welcomed challenge.
“I think we’ll be all right. You always take a certain pride when you go on the road,” Kunkel said. “It’s always a little extra when you can win a big game in somebody else’s pool.”
NOTES: Senior Emily Feher was named MPSF Mikasa Player of the Week last week for her effort against USC. The Trojans scored just one goal in the fourth quarter, and Feher had 10 saves in the game. Their total of seven goals was the lowest for the Trojans this season.