No. 1 USC Takes Down #4 California at Home

Saturday, March 28

Los Angeles, Calif.

12:00 p.m.

USC

19-2

California

13-4

California (W)

USC (W)

Photo by: Katie Chin

No. 1 USC Takes Down #4 California at Home

March 28, 2026 | Women's Water Polo

Box Score

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The No. 1 USC women's water polo team used a balanced offensive attack and a strong first-half push to earn a 14–10 win over No. 4 California in Berkeley.

#1 USC 14, #4 Cal 10
The Trojans got off to a quick start after winning the opening sprint, with Emily Ausmus converting a penalty to put USC on the board first. The opening quarter stayed tight, with both teams trading goals throughout. Alma Yaacobi capitalized on a power play opportunity, while Ava Knepper and Rachel Gazzaniga each added goals to keep USC in front. The Trojans maintained pace in a back-and-forth frame that ended even at 5–5.

USC began to create separation in the second quarter with a more controlled offensive stretch. Ausmus opened the scoring again with another penalty conversion, and the Trojans continued to generate opportunities on the power play. Knepper added a goal, while Gazzaniga stayed hot with two more back-to-back goals in the period. USC's defense also stepped up, limiting California's chances late in the quarter as the Trojans closed on a run to take a 9–7 lead into halftime.

The Trojans carried that momentum into the third quarter with another offensive burst. Yaacobi struck early to extend the lead, followed by back-to-back goals from Meghan McAninch. USC continued to capitalize on exclusions, with Morgan Netherton converting on the power play off an assist from Gazzaniga. Despite a pair of California responses, USC maintained control of the tempo and built a 13–9 advantage heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, USC relied on its defense and goalkeeping to close things out. Ausmus added a natural goal midway through the period to stretch the lead, while goalkeeper Anna Reed made several key saves, including a penalty stop, to halt any California comeback attempts. The Trojans limited California's opportunities down the stretch and secured the 14–10 victory at home.

Notables

Rachel Gazzaniga and Emily Ausmus both led the scoring for the Trojans with three goals each.
Emily Ausmus recorded a season high in shots, finishing with eight.
Rachel Gazzaniga tied her season high in drawn exclusions with four total.
Maggie Johnson marked her fourth consecutive and 14th game of the season with two or more assists, finishing the game with four.
The win marks the Trojans fifth win over a top-five opponent this season.
The Women of Troy remain the only unbeaten team in conference play with a 5-0 record against MPSF opponents.

Scoring: Rachel Gazzaniga (3), Emily Ausmus (3), Alma Yaacobi (2), Ava Knepper (2), Meghan McAninch (2), Sinia Plotz (2), Morgan Netherton (1)

Saves: Anna Reed (9)

Up Next
The Women of Troy will return home to the Uytengsu Aquatics Center to wrap up regular-season play and host No. 3 UCLA. The MPSF matchup is set for Saturday, Apr. 4 at 1:00 p.m.