UCLA women’s water polo will begin its season Saturday at UCLA’s Spieker Aquatics Center, facing both California Baptist University and Loyola Marymount University.
In both of their encounters with the Lancers and the Lions last year, the Bruins were able to emerge victorious.
As UCLA prepares to begin its new season, the team is more determined than ever to start off its season strong.
“I think our focus is just being the best team we can be … and being as authentic in our season as we can,” said coach Brandon Brooks.
As Saturday’s invitational quickly approaches, the Bruins have shown awareness of not only their strengths, but also some weaknesses that may prove to be challenges to fix.
“Our strengths are we are a very, very fast team and a really, really strong defensive team as usual,” said sophomore utility Mackenzie Barr. “Right now because it is the beginning of the season, our weaknesses might just be that were not really used to playing together that much, but that will come over time when the most important games roll around.”
In terms of progress, the UCLA women’s water polo team has already shown tremendous promise for the upcoming season. With the addition of six new freshmen – Kelly Moran, Devin Grab, Alexis Angermund, Grace Reego, Nicole Reynolds and Reilly Fellner – the Bruins add depth to their roster.
“I think that (the freshman) are coming along nicely; they’ve shown that they have a good work ethic in the pool,” Brooks said. “They are as talented as I thought they were, if not more talented. They’re going to help our depth a good amount.”
UCLA will take on California Baptist University at 2:10 p.m., proceeded by Loyola Marymount University at 5:10 p.m.
Compiled by Savannah Shapiro, Bruin Sports contributor.