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\u201310 win over No. 4 California in Berkeley.<\/p>\n
#1 USC 14, #4 Cal 10 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\u20137 lead into halftime.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. USC continued to capitalize on exclusions, with Morgan Netherton<\/a> 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\u20139 advantage heading into the final frame.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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\u201310 victory at home.<\/p>\n Notables
\nScoring: Rachel Gazzaniga<\/a> (3), Emily Ausmus<\/a> (3), Alma Yaacobi<\/a> (2), Ava Knepper<\/a> (2), Meghan McAninch<\/a> (2), Sinia Plotz<\/a> (2), Morgan Netherton<\/a> (1)<\/p>\n
\nThe Trojans got off to a quick start after winning the opening sprint, with Emily Ausmus<\/a> converting a penalty to put USC on the board first. The opening quarter stayed tight, with both teams trading goals throughout. Alma Yaacobi<\/a> capitalized on a power play opportunity, while Ava Knepper<\/a> and Rachel Gazzaniga<\/a> each added goals to keep USC in front. The Trojans maintained pace in a back-and-forth frame that ended even at 5\u20135.<\/p>\n
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\n\tRachel Gazzaniga<\/a> and Emily Ausmus<\/a> both led the scoring for the Trojans with three goals each.
\n\tEmily Ausmus<\/a> recorded a season high in shots, finishing with eight.
\n\tRachel Gazzaniga<\/a> tied her season high in drawn exclusions with four total.
\n\tMaggie Johnson<\/a> marked her fourth consecutive and 14th game of the season with two or more assists, finishing the game with four.
\n\tThe win marks the Trojans fifth win over a top-five opponent this season.
\n\tThe Women of Troy remain the only unbeaten team in conference play with a 5-0 record against MPSF opponents.
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