USC wins tight 10-9 NCAA women's water polo title
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LA JOLLA, Calif. — Sinia Plotz scored to begin each half and Anna Reed made 10 saves as Southern California edged California 10-9 at the Canyonview Aquatic Center to win the Trojans' seventh NCAA women's water polo championship. The victory gave coach Casey Moon his first title in his second season; USC last claimed the championship in 2021. No. 3 seed USC reached the final after an 11-10 semifinal win over second-seeded UCLA. The match featured multiple lead changes, power-play goals and late scoring sequences. Early in the game Holly Dunn scored on a power play with 23 seconds left in the first quarter to tie it, but Ava Stryker answered with seven seconds remaining to put USC ahead 3-2. Emily Ausmus and Stryker pushed USC in front 6-3 before Eszter Varro scored twice to cut the deficit. USC led 7-6 at halftime. Plotz opened the second half for another two-goal lead; Meghan McAninch added a power-play goal, and Despoina Drakotou converted a 5-meter penalty with 5:23 left to provide the final margin. Cal, the fourth-seeded Golden Bears (16-8), reached the title game after upsetting top-ranked Stanford 13-11 in the semifinals under coach Coralie Simmons.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2021: USC previously won its most recent national championship before this event.
- Early 2024 season: USC and Cal advanced through the NCAA tournament bracket to reach the final.
- Sunday night: The NCAA championship match took place at Canyonview Aquatic Center between USC and California.
- During the final: Sinia Plotz scored to begin each half and Anna Reed recorded 10 saves in a 10-9 USC win.
- Postgame: USC earned its seventh national title and coach Casey Moon his first championship in season two.
News Intelligence
- This win showcases the grit and determination of women in sports. It's a reminder that perseverance pays off, whether you're a player or a fan. If you have kids in sports, share this story. It's a great lesson in never giving up.
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USC women's water polo program benefited with its seventh NCAA championship, boosting the team, coaching staff, and university athletic profile.
California's team and program suffered a one-goal defeat in the championship match, finishing as runner-up after a closely contested game.
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USC wins tight 10-9 NCAA women's water polo title
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