BY Andrew Erickson
Bruin Sports reporter
In its only meeting with Cal so far this season, the UCLA men’s water polo team scratched and clawed its way to a comeback victory.
Trailing the then-No. 3 Golden Bears at the NorCal Invitational by two goals heading into the final quarter of play, the Bruins upped their sense of urgency.
The team rallied to tie the game at ten apiece at the end of regulation and ultimately defeated Cal 11-10 on a goal from sophomore attacker Chris Fahlsing in overtime.
But taking Cal down in conference play, outside of tournaments, has been an entirely different beast for UCLA.
The Bruins have lost six of seven regular season conference matchups with the Golden Bears since 2006. That includes two of their last three conference games in Berkeley, where they play this weekend.
This Saturday the No. 3 Bruins (15-2) look to flip the script on their recent Bay Area fate as they face No. 7 Cal (9-5, 0-1 MPSF) to open their Mountain Pacific Sports Federation season.
The team’s first conference game will be followed by a short trip over to UC Davis to face the No. 17 Aggies early Sunday afternoon.
The Bruins will face two separate opponents this weekend, but the transition from four-game tournament schedules that fill the first half of the season to weekly conference matchups gives UCLA more of an opportunity to zero in on specific teams.
“We know now that every week, we’re looking at one game, and it’s first starting all with Cal,” coach Adam Wright said.
“The last couple weeks, we’ve had tournaments where we’ve had to focus on multiple teams, but this whole week it’s all about Cal and after that we can get ready for (UC) Davis.”
Following a loss to No. 2 UC Santa Barbara in the semifinal round of the SoCal Tournament last weekend, the team addressed the need to improve in defensive transition situations to avoid gift wrapping easy breakaway goals for the opposition.
“We have to take smart shots in the front-court that don’t lead to their counter attacks,” senior attacker Griffin White said. “You just always have to be aware of your man and where he’s going.”
Defensive awareness will be vital for the Bruins as they face a tough conference opponent that plays particularly well at home.
The Golden Bears used a loud water polo environment to their advantage last season, winning three of four conference home games.
“Up at Cal it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be fun and there’s going to be lots of people,” said freshman utility Danny McClintick.
“Everyone’s super excited, it’s a great atmosphere to play in and there’s nothing we’d rather be doing.”