USC teams find winning is contagious

It is already five weeks into school and many of USC’s athletic teams already boast winning streaks. Some are extending their streaks from last season, while others are beginning fresh.

Women’s volleyball and men’s waterpolo currently have the largest win streaks at USC. Both teams have successfully beaten 11 of their last opponents. The No. 6 Women of Troy beat UC Irvine 3-0 on Tuesday at their season opener and will face No. 11 UCLA on Friday at the Galen Center.

The No. 1 men’s waterpolo team upset No. 3 California and No. 2 UCLA en route to winning the NorCal Tournament last weekend. The 2009 NCAA champs are continuing their win streak from last season where they won the last three games of the season. The water polo team looks to continue its streak  Friday against Fresno Pacific at the Lancer Invitational.

The next highest streak belongs to the women’s soccer team, which boasts a seven-game unbeaten streak, all from this season. The Women of Troy’s last three games were all victories, with the most recent against Oklahoma, which bumped USC up from No. 25 in the rankings to its current standing of No. 22.

Although the men’s tennis team has not started its season yet, it carries a six-game winning streak from its championship run last season. Its first tournament of the year will be Friday, the Napa Challenge, and will extend through the weekend.

Not to be forgotten, the football team is also steadily building a win streak. The Trojans hold a four-game winning streak, dating back to their victory at the Emerald Bowl in January. This Saturday’s game against Washington State University will be played at Martin Stadium, with kickoff at noon.

These five teams have all shown considerable talent in maintaining their winning streaks. Time will tell how long each lasts.