BERKELEY, Calif. – The second-ranked UCLA women's water polo team looks to maintain its unblemished record on the road when it travels to the Bay Area on Friday to face No. 8 Cal. The conference clash takes place at 5 pm PDT at Cal's Spieker Aquatics Complex.
Last time out, UCLA (16-2, 1-0 MPSF) downed No. 24 CSU Bakersfield, 6-1, in the Bruins' conference opener. Despite a slow start from both teams, UCLA rattled off a series of goals throughout the first three quarters, led by senior India Forster with two. The Bruin defense held the Roadrunners scoreless after they netted their lone goal on a power play in the first quarter. In the cage, senior Alex Musselman and freshman Carlee Kapana split time. Musselman recorded three saves in the first half, while Kapana stopped six in the second half.
In 18 outings this season, the Bruins have presented a well-balanced attack with multiple scoring threats. Forster leads the squad with 28 goals, followed by junior Mackenzie Barr (27), sophomore Devin Grab (25), and junior Alexa Tielmann (22). Also in double-digit scoring are junior Ashley Zwirner, freshman Lizette Rozeboom, senior Charlotte Pratt, and junior Kelsey O'Brien. In total, the Bruins have compiled 207 goals on offense while holding opponents to 96.
Defensively, the team has tallied 49 blocks and 18 steals. Pratt leads the team with 10 blocks while junior Aubrie Monahan has nine blocks and four steals. In goal, rookie Kapana has put up 97 saves for a goals-against average of 4.84, ranking second in the MPSF. Veteran keeper Musselman has stopped 72 shots for an 8.47 saves average.
Scouting the Golden Bears
Defense has carried the Bears (18-4, 1-0 MPSF) this season as Cal ranks third in the MPSF in team defense (5.09 allowed per game), and junior goalie Madeline Trabucco leads the conference in goals-against average (4.69). The Bears have held opponents to five goals or less in 15 games this season. Last time out, Cal downed No. 18 San Diego State, 9-5. The Bears led 7-4 at the half and held the Aztecs to one goal in the second half.
Friday's tilt airs on the Pac-12 Network, as well as on Pac-12 Bay Area and Pac-12 Los Angeles, with Kevin Danna and Chris Dorst on the call.