There would be no upset this time.
The UCLA men’s water polo team capitalized on the momentum from its victory over USC last weekend by demolishing UC San Diego on Saturday night in San Diego, 14-6.
After falling in heartbreaking fashion at San Diego last year, the Bruins were determined not to let it happen again. Using a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense, the Bruins succeeded in limiting the Triton offense to just six goals, including none in the crucial third quarter.
“The game was really a collective effort,” coach Adam Krikorian said. “It’s always tough to play San Diego. They play a different style that you’re not used to seeing.”
That third quarter has been a point of emphasis for Krikorian, whose team has struggled at times this season to maintain their intensity when they come out of halftime.
Not so this time.
A UCLA goal in the third quarter put the Bruins ahead 10-3, a lead which proved to be insurmountable for the Tritons. “We played a lot better after that first quarter,” Krikorian said. “(And in the second half) I think that was us playing with some confidence and a little attitude.”
The attitude comes as a by-product of a recent hot streak that has seen UCLA first take down the once-undefeated and top-ranked USC Trojans, and now, a tough Triton squad.
Sophomore Scott Swanson led the Bruins with three first-half goals, but the offense was predicated on a balanced attack that relied on goals from nine different players.
“The adrenaline from the ‘SC game carried over into the week of practice,” Swanson said. “We had fun, but it was very competitive as well, and that carried over into the (San Diego) game.”
The team play was a large factor in overcoming UCSD, which struck quickly in front of a fired-up home crowd.
“San Diego is always a tough team to play,” Krikorian said. “They’re crowd wasn’t as big (this year), and our experience from last year helped us.”
The Tritons started out hot, with Steve Donohoe netting a quick score less than a minute into the game, appearing to seize momentum for the second year in a row. This time, however, the Bruins wouldn’t let the Tritons keep it.
The Bruins registered four unanswered goals before the first quarter expired, taking a 4-1 lead and squelching thoughts of another upset. Defense, though, played a critical role in garnering UCLA’s second big win in a row.
“Defense was the name of the game,” Swanson said. “It’s a team unit, and that’s something our team is good at.”
This victory moves UCLA closer to the pivotal MPSF conference tournament on Nov. 23-25. The Bruins hope to win there in order to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, which pits four of the nation’s top teams against each other in Palo Alto in December. Right now, UCLA’s chances are looking better with each key win.
“After that ‘SC game, everything changed for us,” Swanson said. “The confidence level is up.”
Krikorian, despite admitting that right now the Bruins would still be long shots to secure the one at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, feels confident in his team’s ability.
“I absolutely feel like we have a good chance to win the conference tournament,” he said.
With just three regular season games left, it would be easy for UCLA to look ahead. The focus of the team, though, is on maintaining this hot streak with wins in their two conference matches next week.
“If we connect on our missed opportunities, we are pretty much unstoppable,” Swanson said.