STANFORD — For the first time since 2017, No. 1 UCLA will play No. 2 USC for the men’s water polo national title.
In the semifinals, the Bruins rallied to beat No. 4 Stanford (22-5) 17-14, improving to 84-92 in the series history against the Cardinal. Eight Bruins scored in the game and were led by freshman Ryder Dodd, notching six goals and seven total points. Stanford nabbed an early 5-2 lead at the end of the first period. However, the Bruins have outscored their opponents 119-67 in the second period entering today’s match.
In the other semifinal match, the Trojans skidded by No. 3 Fordham in overtime. USC opened with two early points, spearheaded by three straight goals in overtime. Junior Andrej Grgurevic set a new career high, scoring five goals. Fordham had been undefeated this season before today’s loss to the Trojans. The Trojans are 23-5 and head coach Marko Pintaric secured his 100th career win as head of the program.
No. 2 USC moves on to the title match for the 18th time in 20 years of NCAA tournament appearances.
UCLA and USC have met in the NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship final six times, with UCLA winning 7-5 in 2021. UCLA has won the last two finals meetings.
USC won in 2018. The Trojans defeated Stanford University 14–12, earning their 10th national title in that final. UCLA’s most recent national championship was in 2021 over the Trojans, securing their 12th national title.
The match is scheduled for tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. PST at Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford on ESPNU.
