No. 2 UCLA women’s water polo (9-1) is officially set to kick off conference play against No. 4 California (8-2) at Spieker Aquatics Complex on Saturday. The Bruins fell in the NCAA semifinals last season and have begun the quest for their second national title in three years. Daily Bruin senior staffer Una O’Farrell breaks down the Golden Bears’ talent ahead of the upcoming match.

Personnel:
Coach: Coralie Simmons

Best Player: Despoina Drakotou

Strength: Early execution

Weakness: Closing consistency

X-Factor: Talia Fonseca

California plays its best water polo early.

Across their ten matches, the Golden Bears have found the most success in the opening period, outscoring opponents 54-27 in the first period and 90-54 by halftime, building leads before most teams – like the Bruins – settle into their half-court defenses.

The primary source of that early edge?

Freshman utility Despoina Drakotou.

The Greek national team standout – who committed to Cal after competing with Olympiacos, a professional team in Euroleague – has immediately delivered, leading the team with 26 goals so far. Drakatou has also earned three consecutive MPSF Newcomer of the Week honors, along with ranking second on the team in assists with 14.

But Cal’s offense doesn’t rely on a single scorer.

Center Feline Voordouw and attacker Abbi Magee have each added 22 goals of their own, while seven players have reached double-digit scoring across the team’s opening preseason campaign.

Defensive activity also fuels the Bears’ success.

Berkeley has totaled 81 steals and 48 field blocks, helping limit opponents to just over 11 goals per contest. Voorduow currently ranks first in field blocks in the MPSF with eight.

And in the cage, Talia Fonseca has emerged as a stabilizer. The goalkeeper has posted 72 saves in limited action and adds eight steals, giving Berkeley an active last line of defense.

Under coach Coralie Simmons – now in her 10th season leading the program – the Bears continue to blend international talent with experienced returners.

For UCLA, the challenge is twofold: withstand Berkeley’s early surge and force the Bears into extended half-pool possession late.