USC Women’s Water Polo Clinches Seventh National Title with Gritty Win Over Cal

April 27, 2026 - 11:52

The University of Southern California women’s water polo team secured its seventh national championship in program history on Sunday night, holding off a fierce challenge from the University of California, Berkeley, to claim a 10-9 victory at UC San Diego. The hard-fought win capped a dominant season for the Trojans, who displayed resilience and composure under pressure in the title match.

From the opening sprint, both teams traded goals in a tense, back-and-forth affair. USC established an early lead, but Cal responded with relentless attacks, tying the score multiple times. The Trojans’ defense stiffened in the second half, with key saves from their goalkeeper and critical steals disrupting the Golden Bears’ offensive rhythm. With the score knotted late in the fourth quarter, USC found the net on a precision counterattack, taking a one-goal lead that they would not relinquish. Cal had a final opportunity to equalize in the closing seconds, but a well-timed block preserved the Trojans’ victory.

The championship marks the seventh title for USC’s women’s water polo program, solidifying its status as one of the most successful dynasties in collegiate water polo. Head coach Casey Moody praised her team’s tenacity, noting that every player contributed to the win. “This group never quit, even when Cal pushed us to our limits,” Moody said in a post-game statement. “They believed in each other and executed when it mattered most.” The victory also extends USC’s legacy in the sport, adding another trophy to a collection that includes titles from 1999, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2016, and 2021. For the players, the win was a culmination of months of preparation and sacrifice, with senior captain Elena Martinez calling it “the greatest moment of my career.” The Trojans now look ahead to defending their crown next season, but for now, they celebrate a championship forged through grit and teamwork.