2024 NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championships: A Clash of Titans (Tournament Preview)
The 2024 NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship: A Clash of Titans
The 2024 NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship is set to make waves this weekend at Stanford University. From December 6-8, the top eight teams in the nation will battle for supremacy in a tournament that promises high stakes, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. Tune in on ESPN+ to follow the excitement of elite NCAA Water Polo (all times PST):
Quarterfinals (Friday, December 6):
- 12:00 p.m.: No. 1 UCLA vs. Salem
- 2:00 p.m.: No. 4 Stanford vs. Princeton
- 4:00 p.m.: No. 2 USC vs. California Baptist University
- 6:00 p.m.: No. 3 Fordham vs. Long Beach State
Semifinals (Saturday, December 7):
- 2:00 p.m.: Winner of UCLA/Salem vs. Winner of Stanford/Princeton
- 4:00 p.m.: Winner of USC/California Baptist vs. Winner of Fordham/Long Beach State
Championship (Sunday, December 8):
- 3:00 p.m.: Semifinal winners
All eyes are on top-seeded UCLA, the 23-2 juggernaut chasing its 13th NCAA title. The Bruins will open against Salem, a determined underdog eager to make waves. Meanwhile, host Stanford, the fourth seed, seeks to capitalize on a home-pool advantage. With a 21-4 record, the Cardinal are set for a tactical showdown against Princeton, the Northeast Water Polo Conference champions.
Fordham, the season’s Cinderella story, enters undefeated at 30-0. The Rams look to extend their historic run against a battle-tested Long Beach State squad. Second-seeded USC, a perennial powerhouse, brings its tradition of dominance to a quarterfinal clash with California Baptist University.
As these teams collide, every goal, save, and sprint will carry the weight of championship dreams. The final on Sunday at 3 p.m. will crown the sport’s next champion and carve another chapter in water polo history.
This isn’t just a tournament—it’s a celebration of grit and greatness. Whether you’re at Stanford or watching on ESPNU and ESPN+, the NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship promises to be unforgettable.
Welcome to the pinnacle of collegiate water polo. Let the games begin with a Preview of Top Contenders:
UCLA Bruins: Kings of Consistency
Entering as the top seed, the UCLA Bruins boast a stellar 23-2 record.
Guided by Head Coach Adam Wright, the Bruins have showcased a mix of ferocity and finesse throughout the season. Wright’s words echo the team’s mindset:
“Our focus has been on consistent improvement throughout the season. Earning the No. 1 seed reflects our hard work, but we understand the challenges ahead and are ready to compete at the highest level.”
With 12 NCAA titles already under their belt, the Bruins are looking to etch their names in history yet again. Salem will have their work cut out for them as they take on a team built for the biggest stage.
Paris Olympics Bronze Medalist Ryder Dodd leads UCLA’s attack
(photo: courtesy UCLA Athletics)
Stanford Cardinal: Home Turf, High Hopes
Stanford enters the tournament as the fourth seed with a 21-4 record.
Stanford Senior Night: Jackson Painter wins The Heaston Trophy
(photo: courtesy Stanford Athletics Social Media)
The Cardinal will look to leverage their home-pool advantage, a factor that former Stanford Team Captain and USA Water Polo Bronze Medalist Alex Bowen believes could be decisive: “Competing at home in front of our fans provides an extra boost. They will be determined to make the most of this opportunity and aim for the championship.”
Stanford’s quarterfinal clash with Princeton, the Northeast Water Polo Conference champions, promises to be a tactical chess match. With the crowd on their side, Stanford hopes to secure its first national title since 2019.
Fordham Rams: The Cinderella Story
Every tournament needs a Cinderella story, and this year it’s Fordham.
The Rams enter the championship with a jaw-dropping 30-0 record, the first undefeated season in program history.
Fordham’s Highest Ranking in Program History. (photo: courtesy Fordham Athletics Social Media)
Head Coach Brian Bacharach shared his pride in the team’s journey: “Going undefeated is a testament to our players’ dedication. As the No. 3 seed, we’re excited to showcase our abilities on the national stage and continue making history for Fordham.” Fordham’s quarterfinal matchup against Long Beach State will test their resilience and mettle. Can the Rams maintain their fairy-tale run?
USC Trojans: A Legacy of Dominance
The second-seeded USC Trojans are no strangers to championship glory, having dominated the sport for decades. Known for their relentless attack and unyielding defense, the Trojans are expected to deliver fireworks in their quarterfinal match against California Baptist University. With their eyes firmly set on the title, USC remains a formidable force.
USC wins MPSF at UCLA last weekend (photo: courtesy USC Athletics )
Princeton Tigers: Underdogs with Bite
Princeton’s journey to the tournament began with its triumph in the Northeast Water Polo Conference. Head Coach Dustin Litvak emphasized the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead: “Securing the Northeast Water Polo Conference title was a significant achievement. Facing Stanford is a formidable challenge, but our team is prepared and eager to compete against the best.”
Single Season Saves Record for Kovacs
(photo: courtesy Princeton Athletics )
The Road to Glory
As the championship unfolds, fans can expect a spectacle where tactics meet tenacity, and every goal carries the weight of a season’s worth of dreams. The semifinals and finals are sure to bring electrifying matchups, with the championship game culminating at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. For those unable to attend in person, the tournament will be broadcast live on ESPNU and streamed on ESPN+.
Don’t Miss It
This is more than just a tournament. It’s a celebration of the best collegiate water polo has to offer. From UCLA’s dominance to Fordham’s historic run, the 2024 NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship is set to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you’re watching poolside at Stanford or tuning in from home, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
See you on the deck.
