| Women’s Water Polo |
|---|
| UCLA — 19 |
| Berkeley — 18 |
No.2 UCLA women’s water polo (10-1, 1-0 MPSF) emerged victorious in a thrilling double-overtime battle against No.4 California (8-3, 0-1 MPSF) on Saturday afternoon.
The first quarter started fast, and each team scored in the first minute. UCLA maintained a strong offense performance throughout, highlighted by redshirt senior attacker Emma Lineback who scored two goals and a steal. Cal’s defense responded, keeping the score close, 6-5, at the end of the quarter.
Cal attacked the second quarter early, but senior center Bia Mantellelo slowed down their momentum with a goal. Despite UCLA’s defensive pressure, with several blocks and steals, Cal went on a three-goal run. UCLA struggled to regain rhythm and trailed Cal at the half, 9-11.
Cal seemed to carry this momentum into the third quarter with an early goal, but UCLA quickly fought back. Three straight goals from sophomore attacker Tali Stryker, senior attacker Carly McMurray and Mantellelo helped tie the match 13-13.
The game remained close. Cal was able to close out the quarter with a slim one point lead, 14-15. Mantellelo had an impressive three goals.
The final quarter was a defensive showdown between both teams. An early goal from junior attacker Elektra Urbatsch tied the game, and a series of exchanges kept UCLA trailing 16-17. A long scoring drought prompted timeouts from both teams.
With about 30 seconds remaining, senior attacker Taylor Smith scored a clutch goal, and a critical save by junior goalkeeper Joey Niz sent the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, senior utility Genoa Rossi scored first for UCLA, but Cal responded immediately with a goal. Another key save by Niz kept the game alive, sending it to a second overtime.
The second overtime was intense, with penalties on both ends and a yellow card issued to UCLA interim co-head coach Jason Falitz. Finally, a goal from Smith sealed the win despite late attempts to score by Cal.
UCLA will face off against Indiana at home Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. PST, where they look to continue their fresh win streak.
