Moving Day: Today’s Women’s Water Polo Conference Championships Will Shape NCAA Seeds
Today is Moving Day in NCAA Women’s Water Polo, with conference championship finals set to determine not only who claims conference titles, but how the field will shape for the upcoming NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championships. Six automatic bids are on the line, and today’s results will heavily influence both at-large selections and final tournament seedings.
Six automatic bids are on the line, and the outcomes of today’s matchups will heavily influence the two at-large selections and overall seeding for the national championship.
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s at stake:
Conference Championships Today – Who’s Playing for Titles
Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF)
Final: UCLA vs. Stanford (2:30 p.m. PT at UCLA)
UCLA survived a 15–14 thriller over Cal in the semifinals, while Stanford defeated USC. Today’s MPSF final will likely determine the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed.
What’s at Stake: The winner secures the MPSF’s automatic NCAA bid. Both UCLA and Stanford are strong candidates for at-large spots if needed, but the winner likely claims the top seed.
Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA)
Final: Princeton vs. Harvard (1:00 p.m. ET at Brown University)
Princeton rolled past Bucknell in the semifinals. Harvard stunned Michigan with an overtime victory.
What’s at Stake: The CWPA champion earns an automatic NCAA berth. The runner-up may not qualify.
Big West Conference
Final: Hawai’i vs. Long Beach State (12:00 p.m. PT)
Hawai’i, the top seed and defending champion, faces Long Beach State after dominant semifinal wins.
What’s at Stake: Winner claims the Big West automatic bid. Hawai’i likely makes the tournament regardless, but Long Beach State must win to advance.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC)
Final: Wagner vs. Marist
Wagner defeated Mount St. Mary’s, while Marist topped Villanova to set up the championship rematch.
What’s at Stake: Only the MAAC champion will advance to the NCAA Tournament.
Golden Coast Conference (GCC)
Final: Fresno State vs. San Diego State
Both teams advanced through strong semifinal performances.
What’s at Stake: The winner earns the GCC’s automatic bid. The loser likely misses the national tournament.
Western Water Polo Association (WWPA)
Final: UC San Diego vs. Cal State East Bay
UC San Diego is the heavy favorite but must secure the win to lock in the WWPA’s automatic berth.
What’s at Stake: Only the champion advances.
How Today Impacts NCAA Seeding
Top seeds will likely come from the MPSF’s elite programs, with UCLA, Stanford, USC, and California all in strong position depending on today’s outcomes.
The six automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments will fill key slots in the bracket, while two additional at-large bids are up for grabs. Strength of schedule, head-to-head results, late-season form, and Rating Percentage Index (RPI) rankings will factor heavily in the final selections.
Players to Watch in Today’s Finals
- Emma Lineback (UCLA): Dynamic scorer leading the Bruins’ fast-paced offense.
- Ryann Neushul (Stanford): Veteran attacker with a clutch scoring record.
- Jovana Sekulic (Princeton): CWPA standout with international experience.
- Daisy Logtens (Hawai’i): Freshman goalkeeper excelling under pressure.
- Carlota Alonso (Wagner): Veteran leader driving Wagner’s title hopes.
(Note: The 2025 All-America Teams will be announced after the NCAA Tournament.)
What’s Next
- NCAA Selection Show: Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET, streaming on NCAA.com
- NCAA Championship: May 9–11 at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis
- National Final: Sunday, May 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT on ESPNU and ESPN+
Stay tuned to Swimming World for complete coverage of today’s championship drama, the NCAA bracket announcement, and full national championship coverage from Indianapolis.