It was a huge weekend across the college water polo landscape, highlighted by Stanford capturing the prestigious MPSF Championship, while Hawai’i, Harvard, and LMU also secured conference crowns and automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.
Stanford Wins Overtime Thriller to Claim MPSF Title
Stanford clinched its eighth MPSF Championship with a thrilling 11-9 overtime win over top-ranked UCLA on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles. Ryann Neushul was the hero, completing her hat trick with a go-ahead goal in the extra period before Jewel Roemer added an insurance strike to seal the victory.
The Cardinal, now 22-1 on the season, swept all three meetings against UCLA this year and is in strong position to claim the No. 1 overall seed for the upcoming NCAA Championship. Stanford previously captured MPSF and NCAA titles in the same season in 2014, 2022, and 2023.
Neushul delivered a standout performance, firing a game-high nine shots and adding three assists, while goalkeeper Christine Carpenter anchored the defense with 13 saves. After leading 6-4 at halftime and 9-7 in the fourth quarter, Stanford withstood a late Bruins rally to triumph in overtime.
Hawai’i Secures Big West Crown
In Irvine, Hawai’i’s dominant defensive effort powered the Rainbow Wahine to an 8-6 victory over Long Beach State, capturing their second straight Big West Championship. Daisy Logtens was sensational in goal with 14 saves, earning tournament MVP honors.
Seven different players scored for Hawai’i, who stretched their lead to 7-2 by the end of the third quarter and held off a late push from the Beach. The Rainbow Wahine, now winners of 20 consecutive Big West matches, will make their eighth NCAA Tournament appearance.
Harvard Makes History with CWPA Title
In Providence, Harvard defeated Princeton 10-8 in overtime to claim its first-ever CWPA Championship. Led by tournament MVP Orli Cooper and Coach of the Tournament Ted Minnis, the Crimson scored twice in overtime to clinch the historic win.
Harvard, who knocked off Michigan in overtime in the semifinals, rode clutch performances from Maya O’Dea and Dany Zapata to lift the trophy. The Crimson now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis.
LMU Returns to NCAA Tournament with GCC Championship
LMU secured its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2012 after edging Fresno State 14-12 in the GCC Championship final. Tournament MVP Ruth Arino Ruiz led a fast-starting Lions squad that built a 9-4 halftime lead before withstanding a fierce Bulldogs comeback.
Yanah Gerber and Carolina Magano added key goals down the stretch to preserve LMU’s win and return the Lions to the national stage.
McKendree Claims First-Ever WWPA Championship
McKendree made history by capturing its first-ever WWPA title, defeating Biola 7-5 in the conference final. With the victory, the Bearcats earned their first NCAA Tournament berth and will head to Indianapolis with a 21-7 record. Sophomore Shanelle Márquez and senior goalkeeper Sydney Kane led the way for a Bearcats team making a breakthrough on the national stage.
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