It was a beautiful Friday afternoon as UCLA women’s water polo team geared up to take on No. 5 University of California Irvine at Spieker Aquatics Center. Enthusiastic fans filled the stands hoping to see No. 2 UCLA claim a victory at home.
They were not disappointed.
The Bruins quickly took the lead and never let go of it, as they dominated the better part of the game.
By the end of the first half, UCI had not scored, and UCLA was up by four. Although the Anteaters fought back, notching five goals in the second half of the game, it just wasn’t enough. UCLA prevailed over UCI, 8-5.
“I thought it was a solid win for us,” said coach Brandon Brooks.
This was, in no small part, thanks to junior attacker Rachel Fattal who had four goals and grabbed two steals during the game. Additionally, redshirt senior goalkeeper Sami Hill played a key role by preventing multiple scoring attempts by the opposition.
Brooks said he would like to see the team finish more consistently on defense, however.
“I think we relied heavily on (Hill),” Brooks said. “Which is really nice, to have a good goalie.”
Hill, however, believed the Bruins’ defense was strong.
“We really emphasized (defense) this week in practice, and I think we executed really well,” Hill said . “We had really good communication, and I think that’s what led us to our victory. … Overall I’m really proud of how we played. We came out strong and defended our home in a home game, which we don’t have that many of, so each opportunity to play is so fun.”
Satisfied with the win, Brooks looks ahead to next weekend’s UCI Invitational.
“I think we’ll be able to take a good amount from this game and move into next week,” Brooks said.