No. 1 USC women’s water polo returns to the Uytengsu Aquatic Center this week, riding the momentum of a flawless run at the Triton Invitational in La Jolla. 

It was a triumphant weekend for the Trojans (8-0), as they took down Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (1-5), No. 9 UC Davis (5-5) and No. 5 University of Hawai’i (7-2) to set up a showdown with then-No. 1 UCLA — the defending national champions — in the championship game of the Triton Invitational.

In the championship, USC was able to pull away late and eke out the upset win over its crosstown rival, scoring three goals in the final two minutes and beating the Bruins 14-11.

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After the win over UCLA, Head Coach Casey Moon emphasized the team’s chemistry and confidence heading into their home opener. Moon said he believes the victory is a result of the hard work his team put in throughout the offseason. 

“I think there’s a really big confidence boost, especially for our returners coming from last year,” Moon said. “So I think the trajectory, that we are moving as a team, learning how to play together, the veterans as well as the newbies have been really good.”

As a result of the win, the Trojans switched spots with the Bruins in the national rankings, rocketing to No. 1 as the Bruins were demoted to No. 3. On the heels of a result that few saw coming, Moon’s squad now has a target on its back, and the road will only get more difficult from here.

Throughout the tournament, the Trojans showcased a balanced attack, with players contributing on both ends of the pool. Graduate center Tilly Kearns led the scoring charge with 13 goals over the four games, while sophomore attacker Meghan McAninch and freshman standout Emily Ausmus each delivered five goals in the opening game against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

Several underclassmen have been ready to accept significant roles early in the season, which Moon emphasized as a key factor in the team’s early success. The mentorship veteran players have been ready and willing to provide has been crucial to this transition. 

“I think that bond, the relationships that we have on our team, is better than anybody,” Moon said. “If you see us play, there’s an excitement, there’s an energy there that is something that is really built organically.”

The team’s ability to gel so well early in the season has played a significant role in its success, allowing it to execute a fluid style of play. Moon credited the players’ rigorous training regimen and competitive mindset as important factors in the team’s start to the season.

No. 6 UC Irvine (3-3), however, poses a formidable obstacle for the Trojans, with a well-balanced offense and a rock-solid defense. Moon stressed the importance of maintaining composure and sticking with the team’s game plan when faced with a formidable opponent, rather than worrying about the threats top squads may pose.

“We put our egos aside, and they really play for each other,” Moon said. “And if you see us play, it’s really seen.”

Looking ahead, the Trojans are also focusing on refining their defensive setups, such as maintaining high-intensity coverage, ensuring that they can quickly block off any opposing offenses. The ability to transition efficiently from defense to offense is a much-needed factor in their upcoming matches.

Maintaining focus across consecutive games will be critical for the Trojans to overcome their competitive schedule in the coming weeks. Moon said these matchups are essential for adjusting strategies and refining their physical abilities before facing more top-ranked opponents later in the season.

With a mix of veteran leadership and rising talent, the team has shown the ability to adapt to different game environments — a strength that has been displayed through USC’s undefeated run. Kearns anchored the offensive attack with her experience and scoring, while McAninch and Ausmus continued to make their presence felt as playmakers. 

Defensively, junior goalkeeper Jada Ward has been crucial in keeping other opponents’ attacks futile, including an impressive 13-save performance against Hawaii. Meanwhile, sophomore center Rachel Gazzaniga made her mark on the team when she delivered four game-changing goals against UCLA. This team’s depth and ability to attack from anywhere in the pool will be crucial to continue to keep its foot on the gas in the coming weeks.

The Trojans will look to stay perfect at home and maintain their new No. 1 ranking as they host back-to-back matchups with dangerous teams this week. They will aim to solidify their reputation as one of the top contenders in collegiate water polo. 

USC will face Biola University on Friday at 5 p.m. and No. 6 UC Irvine on Saturday at 1 p.m.