For the UCLA men’s water polo team, this weekend was about more than just racking up wins. It not only gave freshmen considerable playing time, but also allowed the team to see how well it can play together.
“It was a starting point for us to get to know each other since we are a new team,” said coach Adam Wright. “And playing seven games (including three scrimmages) gave us that chance, but we have a long way to go.”
Now ranked No. 2, the UCLA men’s water polo team ended its successful opening weekend undefeated, winning its two season games on Saturday and two more on Sunday.
“I definitely think we’re starting to get to know each other,” said freshman center Gordon Marshall. “I think we’re coming together pretty well.”
UCLA started the weekend against Pomona-Pitzer earning its first season win. The Bruins dominated from the start, ending the game 17-4 with nine of those goals attributed to freshmen.
The team was happy with these results.
“It is so great seeing the younger guys come in and step into their roles,” said redshirt junior goalkeeper James Hartshorne.
Later on Saturday, UCLA went up against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, who scored the first goal of the game. This was the only goal UCLA would allow until the fourth quarter, breaking UCLA’s 17-goal streak.
The game ended with a goal by Marshall, who totaled four goals Saturday. The Bruins ended with a 19-2 victory.
On Sunday, the Bruins went down to UC San Diego to compete in the Triton Invitational, racking up two more wins to end the weekend with a 4-0 record.
UCLA began with a match against Cal Lutheran on Sunday afternoon, winning 21-7, then challenged UC San Diego, earning its last win of the weekend by a score of 16-6.
Despite their record, Hartshorne saw room for improvement.
“Our standard is (keeping the other team) under six goals no matter who, even against the best,” he said. “We went over that standard against Cal Lutheran, which, as a team, we could have improved in that area.”
However, Wright believes this weekend served its purpose of showing the team what it is capable of, as well as giving the Bruins time to get used to playing as a team.
“The guys are getting to know the actions of one another, how they want the ball passed to them for example, or how they move,” he said.
Wright believes the team has enough time to adjust before they have to face tougher challenges.
“This will be one of the most competitive water polo seasons in a long time,” Wright said. “But I do believe that if we keep growing as a team, we can put ourselves in a good position.”