Around the League: Men’s water polo avoids upset, soccer teams compete in postseason play

While Bruin athletes continue competing in Westwood, here’s a look at some of the biggest news from the rest of the Pac-12. Men’s water poloMichael Hull, assistant Sports editor There were nearly two upsets in the collegiate water polo world last weekend. In addition to No. 2 USC upending UCLA’s 57-game win streak, No. 6 […]

Women’s soccer improves game plan through flexible new formation

In the 4-1-3-2 formation, UCLA started to sputter. The attack, which was potent during the first half of the season, did not have the energy and incisiveness it needed to break down defenses. Then, before the USC game Nov. 4, UCLA lined up in a 4-3-3 and everything changed. The wingers created danger from wide […]

Versatility backs sophomore Hailie Mace’s success on soccer field

Despite the numerous awards to her name, sophomore Hailie Mace was never a surefire successor for a spot on the celebrated UCLA defense. The current Bruin starting center back managed to bookend her tenure at Buena High by reaping honors such as the 2015 Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame Player of the Year and […]

Women’s soccer defeats Seattle 3-0 in NCAA Tournament opener

This post was updated Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. It didn’t take long for UCLA women’s soccer to get ahead against Seattle Friday night. Less than four minutes into the match, redshirt freshman midfielder Anika Rodriguez created space in the middle of the field, dribbled past a lone defender then rocketed a line drive into […]

Women’s soccer looks to shape up defense before NCAA Tournament opener

When UCLA women’s soccer takes the field against Seattle to open the NCAA Tournament on Friday night, it will do so having navigated an unusual midweek obstacle – the election. Even postseason preparation is not immune to political fallout. “Wednesday was a weird day because of the election,” said coach Amanda Cromwell. “Everyone was a […]

Women’s soccer attributes this season’s success to focus, camaraderie

Last year wasn’t a typical year for UCLA women’s soccer. The loss of experienced seniors, lack of chemistry and an inconsistent back line all contributed to the Bruins’ sub-.500 season and their exclusion from the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 19 years. Now, after upsetting No. 5 USC and securing a top-four spot […]

Women’s soccer lands a No. 4 seed in a surprising NCAA matchup

When UCLA women’s soccer saw its name drawn for the NCAA Tournament on Monday afternoon, the result brought on a minor degree of surprise. Fresh off beating No. 5 USC, UCLA (13-5-1, 7-3-1 Pac-12) landed a No. 4 seed. [Related:New formation powers women’s soccer to an upset win over No. 5 USC] “A little surprised […]