A lack of consistency proved to be the Achilles’ heel of UCLA men’s water polo last season. This weekend, the Bruins proved they were ready for a fresh start, opening their season with four decisive victories at UC San Diego’s Triton Invitational.
UCLA displayed a fierce competitiveness in San Diego, routing three of their four opponents by double-digit scores – the third time such a feat was accomplished in school history.
“One thing that really helped was the way we kept our intensity up every single game at all times,” said sophomore goalkeeper Garrett Danner. “I think that was one of the factors that gave us good control.”
The Bruins (4-0) opened the weekend with a 26-1 win over the Redlands Bulldogs (0-4) to set the tone for the rest of the tournament, which saw UCLA beat Cal Baptist (0-2) 21-3, Loyola Marymount (0-4) 22-2 and UCSD (2-2) 13-5.
On a team dominated by underclassmen, UCLA senior utility Cristiano Mirarchi had the standout performance of the weekend, contributing multiple goals to each victory including six against LMU and a career-high seven against Cal Baptist. Mirarchi is looking to follow up his second-team All-American season last year.
Maintaining intensity will be key for the Bruins this weekend as they compete in two back-to-back tournaments.
No. 3 UCLA will get its chance to continue proving their newfound consistency when they host four teams including two top-ten programs in No. 1 Stanford and No. 9 Pepperdine at the UCLA Invite this upcoming weekend.
The Bruins will look to avenge their MPSF quarterfinal loss to the Cardinal last season, who prematurely ended their campaign for a national championship. They will take on the nation’s top team in the final matchup of the Invite before heading to the Inland Empire Classic on Sunday.
Compiled by Claire Fahy, Bruin Sports senior staff.