Squad sets its sights on finally beating Cardinal

By Regina Yeh
Daily Bruin Contributor

Throughout the past week of practice, the women’s water
polo team emphasized specific game plans in anticipation to San
Jose State and Stanford.

In blue and white caps, the UCLA players trained against one
another, weaving limbs with waves, playing half out of the water in
consistent ball passing and guarding.

All of the hours of practice will be put to the test Saturday
and Sunday at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center. The team
anticipates the challenge the two nationally ranked universities
can provide.

“I think we’re coming up with lots of confidence
this weekend. We just want the ball bouncing our way,” junior
center defender Robin Beauregard said.

“Our practices have been focused on preparing for game
plans for individual teams, San Jose State and Stanford,” she
added. “We’re improving every game, every
practice.”

Four weeks into the season, the Bruins are undefeated except for
losses to the Cardinal (8-0), ranked first in the nation. The
Bruins (7-2) are especially looking to score a win on Sunday
against Stanford.

Last week’s game against Stanford ended in defeat with a
tie-breaking score, encouraging the team to further step up to the
challenge of winning this weekend’s competitions.

“We’re definitely encouraged about last
weekend’s result,” head coach Adam Krikorian said.
“We don’t really get too much competition ““ the
top four teams really separate themselves from everybody else.
Sunday’s game is an opportunity to get a really good
game.”

And, beyond just competition, the team continues to emphasize
improvement and intensity.

“Both of the teams will be fun to play, and we’re
getting pumped up for the games,” junior goalkeeper Jaime
Hipp said. “And I think at this point it’s about time
that we beat Stanford.”