The Bruins are one win away from the next chapter. But before the championship bracket opens, the road back to a national title begins with a familiar postseason rhythm: a long layoff, a corrective training stretch and an opening round opponent built to test composure. Read more...
Photo: Sophomore attacker Ryder Dodd looks to throw the ball while an opposing defender approaches him. (Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon/Daily Bruin senior staff)
This post was updated Nov. 29 at 6:04 p.m. It was a rematch a year in the making. The Trojans vanquished the Bruins in last year’s MPSF championship match in a three-point affair. Read more...
Photo: UCLA men’s water polo gathers at the edge of the pool, where the team huddles around coach Adam Wright. The Bruins lost in the MPSF Championship match to USC for the second consecutive season but will have a chance to claim back-to-back national championships at the NCAA tournament in December. (Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon/Daily Bruin senior staff)
Just on the other side of the parking lot, the Golden Bears prowled into the den of red and green trees in a Bay Area football rivalry showdown. Read more...
Photo: Junior center Marcell Szécsi celebrates with his fist pumped in the water. Szécsi finished the match with two goals on four attempts. (Ruby Galbraith/Daily Bruin)
No. 1 UCLA (22-1, 5-1 MPSF) begins its postseason campaign with the MPSF Championship at Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford, California. The Bruins have been the MPSF’s best regular-season team for three consecutive years but failed to win the tournament title after falling to No. Read more...
Photo: UCLA men’s water polo stands together by the pool. (Brianna Carlson/Daily Bruin staff)
Perhaps the result reflects what was expected. Perhaps it was nearly a guarantee, given the circumstances. And perhaps the focus is on future matches. Nonetheless, the Bruins rose to the occasion. Read more...
Photo: Redshirt senior center Eli Liechty raises the ball above his head as a defender knocks it out of his hand. Liechty finished with five goals on seven attempts for the Bruins. (Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon/Daily Bruin senior staff)
Many teams that claim the title of national champion often do the same for their conference championship. But the Bruins are in the minority. The reigning national champions, No. Read more...
Photo: Coach Adam Wright stands with his hand on his hip. (Brianna Carlson/Daily Bruin staff)
The circumstances may have been perfect for defeat. Torrential rain in rival territory. The previous matchup ended in a one-goal loss – the first after 21 victories. Read more...
Photo: UCLA men’s water polo celebrates along the pool. (Courtesy of Sydney LaFleur)
