UCLA Stops USC for Water Polo Title

INDIANAPOLIS — Senior captain Catharine von Schwarz scored three goals and second-seeded UCLA defeated defending national champion USC, 11-4, to win the NCAA women’s water polo championship Sunday.

The Bruins (30-5) won their fourth title in five years and avenged a 5-4 loss to the Trojans in last year’s semifinals.

“I’ve been waiting for a game like this all season long, and for many of my players, it was the game of their life,” UCLA co-Coach Adam Krikorian said. Krikorian has helped UCLA win six national championships, including the 1995 title as senior captain.

Freshman Katrin Dierolf scored three goals to lead the Trojans (23-9). Lisa Saenz also scored for USC.

Sophomore Elaine Zivich of UCLA was named most valuable player for her 10-goal tournament performance. Von Schwarz, Jessica Lopez and goalie Jamie Hipp were second-team all-tournament selections.

Sophomores Aniko Pelle and Nina Wengst of USC received first-team honors.