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ASU Finishes Fourth in the MPSF Tournament

by thesundevils.com
May 2, 2021

TEMPE, ARIZ.-- In the final round of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Conference Championship Tournament, Sun Devil Water Polo (13-11, 6-6) fell to #2 seed UCLA (13-4, 9-3), 12-7, to place fourth. This is the highest podium finish for the Sun Devils since 2014 when ASU defeated USC to appear in the NCAA Tournament for the second time. 

The Bruins were able to pick up three goals in the first period, but an offensive surge for the Sun Devils with three unanswered goals in the second period tied the game at four. The two teams were knotted at the half with four goals a piece, but the Bruins were able to hold ASU to one goal in the third period, outshooting the Sun Devils by four goals. ASU held the Bruins to three goals in the final frame and managed to get two goals on the board, but the comeback fell short. 

Arizona State managed to draw 15 exclusions compared to the Bruins' six, but ASU was only able to capitalize on two man-up opportunities. 

The Sun Devils will await seeding for the NCAA Tournament bid where three at-large bids will be up for grabs all within the MPSF conference. The selection show will take place Monday, May 3 at 3:00 pm MST.

ASU 7, UCLA 12
HOW IT HAPPENED:

  • UCLA jumped out on four early goals. 
  • Amira Van Buren got ASU on the board with 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
  • UCLA took a 3-1 lead into the second quarter.
  • Bori Kekesi scored two goals within two minutes in the second quarter to tie the game at three.
  • UCLA scored to reclaim the lead at 4.
  • Luca Petovary's 43rd goal of the season tied it for the Sun Devils with 15 seconds left in the second quarter.
  • The teams were tied at four apiece at the half. 
  • The Bruins tacked on two goals in the third to give themselves a 6-4 lead.
  • Alba Olive Marti's goal pulled the Sun Devils back within one. 
  • UCLA led 9-5 headed into the final frame.
  • UCLA scored four straight goals to extend the lead 10-6.
  • Ali Cameron's goal came with 3:36 remaining in the fourth
  • UCLA nect two goals in the fourth extended the lead 12-6.
  • Lara Kiss scored with 14 seconds remaining in the game.

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