The UCLA women’s water polo team did not let a tough San Diego State opponent and stormy conditions prevent it from finishing its regular season in a familiar, stellar fashion on Friday in San Diego.
The No. 2 Bruins (22-2, 11-1 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) beat the No. 5 Aztecs (25-7, 8-4 MPSF), 14-6. UCLA won with a familiar equation, capitalizing on penalty situations and maintaining a solid second-half defense. It used four goals from junior Jillian Kraus and nine saves from senior goalkeeper Emily Feher to defeat San Diego State after a close first quarter.
“We had some early defensive breakdowns that kept it close,” coach Adam Krikorian said. “But then we went on a nice little run in the second quarter that put it out of reach.”
Once again, the 6-on-5 advantage situation was key to the Bruins’ victory, even though they were penalized more often than the Aztecs. The team’s expert passing has made its 6-on-5 attack tough to defend all season.
“The one thing that was the big difference was (the 6-on-5),” Krikorian said. “The game would have been closer if we hadn’t executed on our 6-on-5; we actually did a very nice job.”
While the UCLA offense relied on the penalty situation, its defense was sustained by Feher, the team’s star goalkeeper. UCLA held a 9-4 lead entering halftime and was able to withstand San Diego State’s second-half attack. UCLA’s relentless second-half defense was familiar, as it hasn’t allowed more than three second-half goals in its last eight games.
Feher has been unbeatable this last month after struggling in the beginning of the season. She was named MPSF Mikasa Player of the Week on April 9.
“She’s been on fire the last month of the season,” Krikorian said. “She’s in the zone, and we are very confident in her.”
Feher was playing in her last regular season game as a Bruin, along with seniors Molly Cahill, Kacy Kunkel and Kelly Rulon. Cahill and Kunkel each scored twice; Rulon had one goal to finish with a team-leading 58 for the season, the highest total of her Bruin career.
“I really like our team,” Kunkel said. “I think we have a special bond this year, and it’s cool to be a part of.”
With the win, the Bruins secured second place in the conference and a first-round bye in this weekend’s tournament in Tempe, Ariz. UCLA’s two losses have come against one opponent, the No. 1 Stanford Cardinal, and the Bruins may face the team a third time in the MPSF conference championship.
“I think we’re ready,” Krikorian said. “We have our work cut out for us. But I’m very glad with the way the draw worked out, because we’re going to be challenged in every game, and that’s how you learn about yourself.”
That tough draw potentially includes a first-round matchup with No. 6 Cal on Friday, followed by USC and Stanford on the weekend. The Bruins’ last trip to Tempe was a tight, 15-9 victory over Arizona State. Heat was a factor then, and may be a problem once again, as temperatures are expected to be in the 90s.
The Bruins will use a week of practice to prepare for the postseason stretch and reflect on yet another successful regular season. They were undefeated at home for a third straight year, and have a legitimate shot at a third straight title.