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UCLA Captures 13th NCAA Men's Water Polo Title outfitted in Delfina USA Gear

UCLA Captures 13th NCAA Men's Water Polo Title outfitted in Delfina USA Gear

Dec 10th 2024

No. 1 UCLA (26-2), outfitted in Delfina USA Water Polo Gear, claimed its 13th NCAA Championship in men’s water polo with an 11-8 victory over No. 2 USC (23-6) on Sunday at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center. This victory also marked the 124th NCAA Championship for UCLA Athletics. The Bruins, who went 4-1 against the Trojans this season, now lead the all-time series 101-92-1.

The championship marked the fifth NCAA title for UCLA Head Coach Adam Wright with the men’s water polo program, all of which have come against USC. This is Wright’s ninth NCAA title overall, adding to two he won as a player at UCLA (1999, 2000), one last year with the women’s program (2024), and one as an assistant coach with the women’s team in 2009.

The Bruins showcased a balanced offensive effort, with seven players contributing to the scoring. Freshman Ryder Dodd, redshirt junior Chase Dodd, and graduate students Nico Tierney and Jack Larsen each tallied two goals. Graduate student Makoto Kenney led the playmaking with three assists.

Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Nate Tauscher, making just the third start of his career, anchored the defense with 10 saves, three steals, and an assist while allowing eight goals.

The game remained tightly contested through the first half, with the teams knotted at 2-2 after the first period and 4-4 at halftime. Ryder Dodd scored the 101st goal of his standout freshman season late in the second quarter, tying the MPSF single-season goals record set by Ryan Bailey (UC Irvine, 1998).

UCLA took control in the third quarter, outscoring USC 3-2 to grab a 7-6 lead. Dodd broke the MPSF scoring record with his 102nd goal on a power play in the closing moments of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, Larsen’s clutch field block and two critical goals helped the Bruins outpace the Trojans 4-2 to secure the 11-8 victory.

The Bruins’ triumph, achieved while donning Delfina USA Water Polo Gear, highlighted their dominance in the pool and set a high standard for excellence in the sport.

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