Mathewson’s Last-Second Goal Gives Title to UCLA

Courtney Mathewson scored on a set play with one second left to give UCLA its second consecutive NCAA women’s water polo title with a 9-8 victory Sunday over top-seeded USC at UC Davis.

It was UCLA’s 99th national championship in all sports, the most of any school.

UCLA (29-4) has won the water polo championship four times in the six years since the NCAA started sanctioning the event, but the road was much tougher this season for the Bruins, who were 33-0 last year.

“This is probably the sweetest, but they’re all pretty sweet,” said UCLA senior Thalia Munro, who won her third title. “I’m really proud of Courtney for stepping up. There’s nothing sweeter than seeing your teammate rise to the occasion.”

Mathewson scored the goal after Kelly Rulon drew a foul with five seconds left.

Rulon, who ended up with four goals and was voted the tournament’s most valuable player, left the ball for Mathewson, who picked it up and beat goalie Whitney Morgan just inside the near post.

USC had tied the score with 30 seconds left, when Patty Cardenas, who finished with three goals, converted on a power play.

In power plays Sunday, USC was two for 17, and UCLA was five for 11. USC lost three of its last five games after a 25-0 start.