Stanford University’s men’s water polo team lost to top-ranked USC with a final score of 14-9 in Los Angeles on Sunday. The defeat brings Stanford’s record to 12 wins and six losses for the season, with one win and four losses in conference play.
The match started evenly, with both teams scoring two goals each in the first period. Stanford’s Botond Balogh and Guido Leonardi contributed early to keep the game tied at 2-2. In the second quarter, Balogh gave Stanford its first lead at 3-2. Additional goals from Gianpiero Di Martire, who scored twice, and Ben Forer helped Stanford secure a 6-3 advantage by halftime.
USC responded strongly after halftime, scoring six goals in the third period to move ahead 9-7. The Trojans continued their momentum into the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing a five-goal victory.
Balogh and Di Martire each recorded three goals for Stanford. Goalkeeper West Temkin made nine saves during the game.
Looking ahead, Stanford will travel to face No. 17 Santa Clara on Saturday before returning home to finish the regular season against No. 8 Pacific on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. PT. The home match against Pacific will be available for streaming on Overnght.
“We were level after one period but could not hold off USC’s attack in the second half,” said head coach Brian Flacks.
