It was another day, another win for the UCLA women’s water polo team, prolonging its nearly two-monthlong streak. The top-ranked Bruins did it again, but for some members of the team, this particular win meant a little more.
“I think the last time was two years ago we came (to ASU) and lost, so the seniors that were here and experienced it are really glad we got to come back and win today,” said redshirt senior goalkeeper Sami Hill.
No. 1 UCLA (20-1, 4-0 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) defeated No. 7 Arizona State (16-7, 2-3) on the road in Tempe, Ariz. on Saturday, 11-5.
UCLA held a 6-2 lead by the end of the first half with junior attacker Rachel Fattal contributing yet another hat trick for the Bruins. Fattal was also the leading scorer in the day’s matchup. The Sun Devils were unable to trim the deficit in the second half as the Bruins notched five more goals in the third quarter, an impressive offensive run in the face of ASU’s goalkeeper E.B. Keeve, the saves leader in the MPSF.
“ASU is a tough team to play, especially at home and we did a good job in the first three quarters finding our offensive spots,” said coach Brandon Brooks.
Although UCLA was unable to score in the fourth quarter, its defense continued to hold up until the end, clinching the victory. Both Hill and Brooks said the team played impressive defense, especially during 6-on-5 play.
“We figured out their offense pretty quickly and were able to shut them down,” Hill said. “(The team’s defense) definitely made my job easier. It’s nice always having someone in front of me and knowing exactly where to block.”
Hill said the team’s success in this game can be attributed to its preparation, watching film and really understanding how ASU played the game, a sentiment echoed by freshman attacker Devin Grab. Grab said the team was able to both demonstrate what it had been practicing all week and execute its game plan really well.
With 20 wins now under its belt, UCLA faces the biggest threat to its run against Stanford Saturday. Although a drawn-out win streak may instill confidence in the team, the Bruins said they leave the past behind them and maintain focus on what’s ahead.
“(Brooks) always says we’re only as good as our next game,” Hill said.