Stanford Water Polo Falls to USC in Thrilling 11-10 Matchup
STANFORD, Calif. – A late goal from Emily Ausmus lifted No. 3 USC to an 11-10 victory over No. 1 Stanford Sunday afternoon at Avery Aquatic Center, snapping the Cardinal’s 19-game winning streak and handing them their first home loss since .
The MPSF matchup featured two of the nation’s top teams, with both entering the contest undefeated in conference play. USC (19-2, 4-0 MPSF) secured the win with Ausmus’s decisive goal with just 10 seconds remaining on the clock.
Stanford (9-1, 3-1 MPSF) was aiming for a 10-0 start to the season, a feat they’d accomplished six times in the last decade, including a perfect 15-0 run in .
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the teams tied 4-4 after the first period. Stanford seized a 7-5 halftime lead, fueled by a strong second quarter. Ella Woodhead extended the Cardinal’s advantage to 8-5 early in the third period with a well-executed backhand goal.
Juliette Dhalluin and Jenna Flynn each registered hat tricks for Stanford, leading the Cardinal offense. Serena Browne added two goals to the tally, while Kamryn Barone and Woodhead each found the net once.
Stanford’s surge in the second quarter saw them score the first three goals of the period, building a 7-4 lead. Dhalluin converted a penalty shot, followed by goals from Barone and Flynn. The Cardinal’s momentum continued into the third, with Woodhead’s goal pushing the lead to three.
Yet, USC responded with back-to-back goals in the final 90 seconds of the third period, narrowing the gap and setting the stage for a tense fourth quarter.
Dhalluin scored again with 5:55 remaining in the game, restoring a two-goal lead for Stanford at 9-7. But USC wouldn’t back down, rattling off three consecutive goals, including two from Meghan McAninch, to grab a 10-9 lead.
Flynn completed her hat trick with 35 seconds left, tying the game at 10-10 on an assist from Dhalluin. The equalizer set up Ausmus for the game-winning goal just 10 seconds later.
Stanford goalkeeper Carpenter finished the game with seven saves.
Stanford will return to action on , when they visit Indiana at 10 a.m. PT.
Stanford Goals: Juliette Dhalluin (3), Jenna Flynn (3), Serena Browne (2), Kamryn Barone (1), Ella Woodhead (1).
The loss marks a significant shift in the MPSF landscape. Stanford, previously undefeated, now faces its first conference defeat. USC, meanwhile, continues its impressive run, establishing itself as a major contender for the MPSF championship. The teams’ rivalry continues to be a defining one in collegiate women’s water polo, with USC having now secured a crucial victory on Stanford’s home turf.
Stanford’s strong start to the season, including the 19-game winning streak, had positioned them as a favorite to contend for the national title. While this loss doesn’t eliminate them from championship contention, it does introduce a new level of competition and underscores the importance of every game in the MPSF.
The Cardinal will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their upcoming match against Indiana. Maintaining offensive consistency and tightening up their defense will be key to regaining their winning form. The team’s ability to respond to adversity will be a crucial test as they navigate the remainder of the season.
For USC, this victory serves as a major confidence boost. The Trojans demonstrated resilience and composure in a challenging road environment, overcoming a multi-goal deficit to secure the win. Ausmus’s game-winning goal will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the team’s season.