USC Men's Water Polo: Trojans Make MPSF Semifinals by Routing #1 Ranked UCLA

The Trojans came up big against cross-town rival UCLA.

In a riveting MPSF semifinal game, the No. 3 USC men’s water polo team delivered a stunning performance, handing No. 1 UCLA its first defeat of the season. The Trojans' 13-9 victory in Berkeley, California, was a testament to their tactical prowess and resilience.

USC established an early lead with Luka Brnetic's back-to-back goals and maintained control throughout the match. The second period was pivotal, with USC extending their lead to five goals. Notable contributions came from Max Miller, Tony Nardelli, and Jake Carter, helping USC to an 8-4 halftime advantage.

Luka Brnetic was the star of the match, matching his career-high with three goals. Senior Max Miller continued his impressive form, scoring twice and extending his season tally to 36 goals. These performances were critical in securing USC's four-goal margin, their largest against UCLA since 2020.

USC’s strategic play in the second half ensured their lead remained unchallenged. Contributions from Andrej Grgurevic and Zach Bettino, along with two additional goals from Miller, solidified USC's victory. Goalie Bernardo Herzer’s seven saves were crucial in defending against UCLA's attempts to recover.

This win propels USC into the MPSF Championship game against host Cal, with a chance to clinch the title and an automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. This victory marks a significant milestone for USC, as they aim to continue their success in the tournament finale.

USC's impressive win over UCLA sets the stage for an exciting MPSF Championship. Their next game against Cal is not just a battle for the title but also a step towards the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans' blend of strategic gameplay, standout individual performances, and team synergy underscores their readiness for the challenges ahead.

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