Water polo fans from across Los Angeles flocked to the Uytengsu Aquatics Center Saturday afternoon for the highly anticipated crosstown splashdown between the visiting No. 2 UCLA Bruins and the No. 3 USC Trojans. Despite a four-goal performance by USC sophomore driver Robert López Duart, the Trojans could not pull out a win against the Bruins, losing a tight game 13-10.

“We hate losing, and especially to [the] Bruins in our own pool. For us, that’s always unacceptable and [we are] very disappointed in a loss,” said sixth-year Head Coach Marko Pintaric in an interview with the Daily Trojan.

The first quarter was a back-and-forth defensive battle between the two top-ranked squads. Both USC (15-3, 1-2 MPSF) and UCLA (17-1, 2-1) limited shot opportunities on defense, forcing the dueling offenses to take contested, last-minute shots as the 30-second shot clock expired. UCLA graduate center defender Aaron Voggenthaler struck first, but USC responded quickly and tied up the score going into the second.

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Scoring picked up in the second quarter, with the Trojans and Bruins trading strikes throughout the period. Ultimately, USC would lead 7-6 at the end of the first half, before UCLA thoroughly dominated the third period.

The third quarter has been a crucial juncture for the Trojans several times so far this season, and on Saturday, it defined their performance in a bad way. USC allowed five goals in the third quarter and was only able to score one on offense. Back-to-back goals by UCLA’s leading scorer and freshman attacker Ryder Dodd helped the Bruins pull ahead in the third.

“We didn’t 100% concentrate in the third quarter. We had some transitions [where] we lost the ball, and after they [came] back, we couldn’t do it,” said sophomore driver Robert López Duart. “We need to learn how to handle the third [and] fourth quarter. Keep calm, and let’s see in the NCAAs who wins.”

UCLA’s offense came alive in the third quarter, breaking down USC’s defense left and right. This was highlighted by graduate attacker Jack Larsen’s beautiful goal, which floated over USC redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Bernardo Herzer’s head.

Duart’s fourth goal of the day pulled the Trojans within two goals in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late for USC. The Bruins continued to control possession and run out the clock, eventually adding two more goals to put an end to any hopes of a USC comeback.

“Let’s go Bruins!” chants erupted throughout the Trojans’ home stadium once the clock hit zero and UCLA put a wrap on their huge rivalry victory.

Duart has delivered a fantastic first season for Pintaric and the Trojans, scoring 36 goals and adding 21 assists in 17 games so far this year. He had six points Saturday, continuing to stand out for his new squad even in defeat.

Although the Trojans couldn’t pull off the win against their crosstown rival, there was still something to celebrate after the game: the Trojan seniors. The game against UCLA was also Senior Day, with celebrations centered around the seniors on the team. Before the game, the Trojans honored their nine graduating seniors in a special ceremony.

“Unfortunately, I wish we freaking won the game because it’s always nicer to celebrate when you win,” Pintaric said. “Even though we lost, we will celebrate today.”

The loss to the Bruins was a big hit for the Trojans as they look to defend their back-to-back MPSF titles. With the heartbreaking defeat, the Trojans now own a 15-3 record overall on the season and are 1-2 in MPSF play. Pintaric’s squad sits second-to-last in the conference with just three games remaining against MPSF West competition.

USC will look to bounce back from its loss in its final home game of the 2024 season Saturday against No. 12 UC Davis at noon.