Seniors leave men’s water polo revitalized, with team remaining in capable hands

The Bruins waved goodbye at their shot at becoming back-to-back champions. UCLA men’s water polo (23-5) bowed out of the NCAA championship in the semifinals Saturday, failing to defend last year’s title. The Bruins, who were the preseason No. 1 and projected to win the MPSF, fell short of the lofty expectations. “For me, the […]

Men’s water polo’s championship chance sinks in narrow 8-7 semifinal loss to USC

PALO ALTO — Nicolas Saveljic attempted to draw his signature foul from the top on the right side, and then ripped it in desperation. But as the ball skimmed a field blocker and skipped to the goalkeeper’s hands, the sophomore attacker sank nose-deep into the water as the buzzer sounded. “The hard part is, you […]

Men’s water polo heads to NCAA semifinals with 18-6 bombardment of George Washington

The Bruins took “team water polo” to a new level Thursday night. Eleven players scored in No. 3 seed UCLA men’s water polo’s 18-6 win over No. 6 seed George Washington (23-7) in the final opening round of the NCAA championship. The Bruins jumped out to a four-goal lead within the first half of the opening […]

Men’s water polo to start NCAA championship contests against George Washington

Another title run is on the horizon for the Bruins. No. 3 seed UCLA men’s water polo (22-4) will face No. 6 seed George Washington (23-6) to open NCAA championship play Thursday at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center. While the Bruins have the opportunity to earn their fourth national championship in five years, coach Adam Wright […]

Men’s water polo stays strong on defense, looks to boost offense for NCAA

The Bruins’ defense kept their season alive. Then-No. 4 seed UCLA men’s water polo’s (22-4) defensive performances overshadowed its offensive miscues, winning two of its three games at the MPSF championship and earning the No. 3 seed in the NCAA championship. Over the regular season, the Bruins converted about 45 percent of their 6-on-5 chances. […]

Men’s water polo blockades USC in 7-4 win to take MPSF third-place finish

As the final seconds ticked away, the Bruins’ fans left one message. “Just like football,” the crowd chanted. No. 4 seed UCLA men’s water polo (22-4) defeated No. 2 seed USC (28-3) 7-4 in the third-place game of the MPSF championship less than 24 hours after UCLA football’s win over the Trojans. Last time the […]

Men’s water polo sinks to No. 1 seed Stanford 9-7 in MPSF semifinal

The Bruins’ power play let them down on both sides of the pool. No. 4 seed UCLA men’s water polo (21-4) fell to No. 1 seed Stanford (19-2) 9-7 in the semifinal of the MPSF tournament at Uytengsu Aquatics Center in Los Angeles. The Bruins did not score on a power play for the first […]