Written by Max Holm, USC blog contributor
The crosstown rivalry wrote its latest chapter in the water of the Uytengsu Aquatics Center as No. 1 USC hosted No. 2 UCLA on Saturday in the third match-up between women's water polo's best this season. The Women of Troy won the first match, 8-6, and the second, 10-7, and now the third, 8-5.
The third installment of this season's rivalry saw the Trojans score within the first minute behind Ioanna Haralabidis, only for the Bruins to tie the match less than a minute later. From there, the Women of Troy took control and never looked back.
Two goals from Brigitta Games, including a lovely backhand goal with her back to goal, saw USC take a 3-1 lead, which soon became 4-1 early into the second period. The Bruins would claw back to stay in the game each period, but they were held at an arm's length and a consistent two-goal deficit.
With UCLA holding on, junior Stephania Haralabidis added two goals, including the eighth and final one. Goalie Amanda Longan saved 13 shots on the day, including some big saves when UCLA had 6-on-5 chances.
Following the win over the Bruins, the Trojans took on Redlands as the second game of a doubleheader, which they took easily and convincingly, 23-0.
Saturday's wins saw USC improve to 3-0 against the Bruins, 4-0 in MPSF play and remain undefeated on the season at 19-0.
With just two matches left in the regular season, the Women of Troy will be back at it this weekend away to Stanford on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT.
Here are the John McGillen photos from the latest win over UCLA:
University Southern California Trojans
Monday, August 24
Thursday, August 20
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, August 19
