NCAA Water Polo Crown Returns to West Hollywood: UCLA 11, USC 8
In a commanding performance at Stanford University’s Avery Aquatic Center, the UCLA Bruins affirmed their top-seed status by defeating the USC Trojans 11-8 to clinch the 2024 NCAA Men’s Water Polo National Championship. This victory marks UCLA’s 13th national title in men’s water polo and the university’s 124th overall.
Tournament MVP Ryder Dodd winds up and fires a high 3 post cross cage goal
The match began with intense exchanges, leading to a 4-4 tie at halftime. UCLA’s Nico Tierney opened the second half with a power-play goal, putting the Bruins ahead 5-4. USC’s Lopez Stuart responded with a skip shot, leveling the score at 5-5. With 49 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Tournament MVP freshman Ryder Dodd scored his second goal, giving UCLA a one-goal lead.
The fourth quarter saw both coaches receiving yellow cards, reflecting the match’s intensity. UCLA extended their lead to 8-6 with another power-play goal. USC’s Luka Brnetic narrowed the gap to 8-7. Peter Castillo restored UCLA’s two-goal cushion. Moments later, Chase Dodd fired a powerful shot, extending UCLA’s lead to 10-7. USC’s hole set Jack Martin scored despite 3 UCLA defenders crashing on him, reducing the deficit to 10-8. UCLA’s defense made a significant stop inside the last minute of game time, when UCLA Head Coach Adam Wright called timeout to control the final 30 seconds, sealing the victory.
2024 NCAA Water Polo Champions UCLA
Reflecting on the victory, Coach Wright praised USC’s effort, “Give credit to USC; last night they had an incredible game. Over time they got themselves here. Marco runs a heck of a program, and they pushed us.” He emphasized the importance of defense, noting, “In the first half, they were four for five on six-on-five, but we changed that in the second half, and our fitness paid off.”
UCLA Coach Adam Wright’s joyous leap into the pool!
Wright also highlighted the team’s resilience over the past seasons, adding, “It’s been a long road… to get so close or play the whole season without losing, and then drop in the final. They got to be resilient, and they deserve this.”
Tournament MVP and freshman attacker Ryder Dodd expressed his elation, saying, “It’s incredible. I mean, I can’t even put it into words at this moment. It’s crazy to share with people like this. I’ve only known them for three months, but it feels like a lifetime.” Regarding USC’s performance, Dodd remarked, “They put up a great fight. I mean, we knew it wasn’t going to be easygoing. We had to do our best. And they gave us a run for our money.”
Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Nate Tauscher led the Bruins’ defense with 10 saves across the match, stepping into the position of starting goalkeeper for the team at the beginning of the NCAA tournament. Tauscher commented, “Hey, we won that championship for UCLA! Let’s go boys!”
Chase Dodd is all smiles in NCAA Champion T Shirt and Cap
This triumph underscores UCLA’s dominance in collegiate water polo, living up to their #1 seed and securing the national championship.
For detailed statistics and a comprehensive game summary, visit NCAA.com
For more NCAA Water Polo coverage, visit SwimmingWorld.com.
Friends and Fans look down from Avery Stadium to witness their team in celebration
2024 NCAA Champions UCLA