USC Wins Women's Water Polo Title, Cal Falls Short

It's April 27. I'm Cory with the story, and this is California News today, your AI-powered

local news. USC just snagged their 7th National Championship in Women's Water Polo, edging

out California 10-9 in a nail-biter at UC San Diego's Canyon View Aquatic Center.

Cinea Plets kicked off both halves with goals, and Anna Reed locked it down with 10 saves

to seal the win for the Trojans. The game stayed tight from the jump, with Cal tying it early

on a power play, but USC pulled ahead before halftime at 7-6. Plots struck again to start

the second half, building a two-goal cushion that held through some fierce comebacks from

the Golden Bears. Cal, the fourth seed, stunned top-ranked Stanford 13-11 in the semis for

their second finals trip in three years. USC, sitting third, took down second-seated UCLA,

11-10 in their semifinal showdown. This marks the first title for Trojans head coach Casey

Moon in his second season. USC's last crown came back in 2021. Cal still chasing their first,

falling short after strong showings against powerhouses like UCLA and Stanford before.

Reed's clutch stops, including on a penalty shot, proved decisive in those final minutes,

handing USC the hardware and capping an epic tournament run that had everyone on the edge of

their seats.