Although UCLA men’s water polo has been a powerhouse for years, they haven’t been able to bring home the ultimate prize ““ a national championship ““ since 2004.
While the team consistently reached the top of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation standings throughout the 2011 season, it fell 7-4 in the championship match against rival USC.
This year, the Bruins lose only three players from last season ““ attacker and team captain Cullen Hennessy, center Brett Hays and goalkeeper Andrew Mesesan.
While they lose their leader in Hennessy, several rising seniors have the ability to be the emotional and athletic torchbearer for the Bruins.
The losses should not put a damper on UCLA’s chances ““ some of the most vital pieces of the squad will be back this season.
Rising redshirt senior Matt Rapacz, who was the MVP of last year’s MPSF tournament and started 25 of the team’s 29 games last season, will be back between the posts this season.
While Rapacz was strong all season long, the team lacked in defense from the field, making his job difficult.
Also returning is rising senior utility Josh Samuels, who was a star for the Bruins last season, leading the team with 49 goals.
Samuels was a finalist for the Peter J.
