No. 3 seed UCLA sought to win its first national title since 2009, hosted at Stanford University’s Avery Aquatic Center. The Bruins faced No. 6 Michigan in the quarterfinal match before advancing to the semifinals against No. 2 Stanford.
Junior attacker Maddie Musselman helps senior goalkeeper Carlee Kapana put on her swim cap before warmup laps in the pool.
Senior defender Rachel Whitelegge shares a pregame laugh with senior attacker Lizette Rozeboom.
Kapana stretches for a save while warming up before the quarterfinal match. Kapana started in goal for 27 out of 31 total games in the 2019 season.
Within the first two minutes of play, Michigan scores. The Wolverines erupt in cheers from the sideline.
Musselman shoots above Michigan's attacker Abby Andrews. Musselman scored four goals and had two assists in the quarterfinal match.
Coach Adam Wright converses with the referee on a call. Wright entered 2019 as head coach for his second consecutive season with UCLA women's water polo.
Junior attacker Bronte Halligan gears up for a shot against Michigan. Halligan completed a hat trick in the third period of the quarterfinal match.
Rozeboom passes the ball over a Michigan defender. Rozeboom totaled four goals, tying with Musselman for top team scorer of the game.
Halligan (center) and senior defender Kelsey Blacker smile as their team exits the pool arena. UCLA outscored Michigan 13-7 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA championship bracket.
After beating Michigan, UCLA faces its long-time rival No. 2 seed Stanford in the semifinal match of the NCAA championship bracket.
Stanford's attacker Ryann Neushul confronts Halligan as she attempts to make a pass. The Cardinal scored five goals, unanswered, within the first half of the game.
Kapana blocks a shot from Stanford. Kapana saved 14 goals and had two steals in the semifinal match.
UCLA fans cheer in the stands as the Bruins begin scoring goals against Stanford's early lead.
Freshman attacker Val Ayala reaches above Stanford's attacker, Madison Berggren. Ayala had team-high for shots on goal, but found only one at the back of the Cardinal's net.
Musselman takes a shot against Stanford. Musselman scored twice in the semifinal match, pulling UCLA into a 6-5 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinal tie the match, initiating overtime play. Wright relays a game plan to the Bruins for the last minute of the overtime period.
Halligan (left), junior attacker Brooke Maxson (middle), and Blacker (right) exit the pool in tears. The Bruins were unable to advance to the championship game, losing 8-7 in overtime to the Cardinal.