UCLA Tops USC to Win Collegiate Cup
November 09, 2015 | Women's Water Polo
IRVINE, Calif. -- The UCLA women's water polo team won the 2015 Collegiate Cup when it edged USC, 4-3, in the championship game on Sunday. Mackenzie Barr netted two goals in the win, while Alex Musselman posted nine saves in the cage.
"It's always an enjoyable battle," said UCLA head coach Brandon Brooks of playing USC in the final. "They're a very competitive team and they always push us to our limits. It's always fun to play them in a tough game."
In the lowest scoring game of the weekend, the Bruins led the Trojans 3-1 at the half. Barr extended the lead to 4-1 in the third quarter of off an assist from Charlotte Pratt. It was not until the final two minutes that USC would make a late surge in an attempt to overtake UCLA.
With 1:54 on the clock, USC's Avery Peterson found the back of the net to pull the Trojans within two. After a series of turnovers by both squads, Brigitta Games scored another for USC with 30 seconds remaining. Despite the late push, the Trojans were unable to overcome the deficit. As time expired, UCLA remained on top to capture to win.
"We're missing six starters from last year," said Brooks of the team's first outing of the season. "It definitely takes time to adjust and move past that. But I thought the tournament was great for us. The girls did a really good job of competing and fighting. They played with great energy and enthusiasm. We progressed throughout the tournament, which is all we're trying to do. It was a good weekend."
Throughout the tournament, Barr led the entire field in goals and in points with 11, while teammate Ashley Zwirner notched the most assists (5). Bruin newcomer Carlee Kapana had the second highest save percentage of the weekend (.632).
UCLA was 3-1 for the weekend. On Saturday, the Bruins toppled Long Beach State, 10-4, and Arizona State, 8-4. On Sunday, UCLA dropped its only match of the weekend to California in a shootout. The Bears edged the Bruins 12-11.