Princeton University
#1 UCLA
Men's Water Polo Drop Game to No. 1 Seeded UCLA in Semifinals, 17-13
December 02, 2023 | Men's Water Polo
LOS ANGELES, CA - The No. 4 seeded Princeton men's water polo team fell 17-13 to No. 1 UCLA in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships this afternoon at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center. After a program record 28 victories, the Tigers' fantastic season comes to an end.
The game started off with a Vladan Mitrovic shoot and score as he put the Tigers on the board first for the second game in a row. UCLA quickly responded with a goal but were met by a pairing of a Pierce Maloney tally and Roko Pozaric's first score of the tournament, both within a minute of each other.
The Tigers scored three in the first period but UCLA managed to put up four.Princeton 2, UCLA 1 / 4:32 1st
— Princeton Water Polo (@Pwaterpolo) December 2, 2023
Pierce Pinpoint! pic.twitter.com/fWO4mUxXmn
A UCLA goal got the second period started but Mitrovic quickly chipped away at the two-goal Bruin lead and found the back of the net, with an assist from Pozaric.
With 1:47 in the second period, Pozaric secured a breakaway one-on-one goal off of a steal on the Tiger's defensive side of the pool. Following this, Logan McCarroll capitalized on a rebound from JP Ohl's shot off the post, leveling the score at what was now seven.
Princeton 6, UCLA 6 / 1:47 2nd
— Princeton Water Polo (@Pwaterpolo) December 2, 2023
The takeaway, the breakaway, the GOAL! We're tied! pic.twitter.com/VAkDPtAkCb
The momentum continued as Yurian Quinones found the back of the net with finesse, courtesy of an assist from Finn LeSleur. This goal came with just 5 seconds left in the second period. The score was 8-7 headed into the half in favor of the Tigers.
UCLA came out strong from halftime, securing three consecutive goals and regaining control of the game after break.
Ohl's shot for the Tigers halted UCLA's offense, leaving Princeton trailing by just one goal. Then, in a pivotal moment with a man advantage, George Caras found the back of the net with assistance from Mitrovic, marking the score with 33 seconds remaining in the third period.
Princeton 10, UCLA 11 / End of 3rd
— Princeton Water Polo (@Pwaterpolo) December 2, 2023
Caras finds his way on the scoresheet and puts the Tigers back in striking distance after 3 periods. pic.twitter.com/moN6xQuzLf
In the fourth period, both Mason Killion and Ohl managed to score goals, but the Tigers faced strong opposition with UCLA netting six goals.
With just three minutes remaining in regulation, the Tigers faced a 14-11 deficit. Pierce Maloney managed to score a goal, attempting to challenge UCLA's lead. However, Princeton struggled to maintain a consistent offensive response, ultimately succumbing to a 17-13 defeat.
