San Jose, Calif. - The USC women's water polo team made a splash in their conference opener, traveling north to face San Jose State. The No. 3-ranked Women of Troy showcased their prowess with a commanding 19-8 victory over the No. 16 Spartans, marking their first MPSF win of the 2026 season.
From the get-go, USC took charge. Ashley Kwan set the tone by winning the opening sprint.
The early minutes were a defensive tussle until Maggie Johnson broke the ice at 6:49, putting USC on the scoreboard. San Jose State briefly leveled the score at 1-1, but the Trojans quickly regained momentum.
Natalia Blazevic capitalized on a power play, thanks to Emily Ausmus drawing an exclusion, to reclaim the lead. Ava Stryker added another goal at 1:10, and with just 30 seconds left in the first quarter, Meghan McAninch scored off an Ausmus assist. USC closed the quarter on a 3-0 run, leading 4-1.
The Trojans found their offensive groove in the second quarter. Caitlin Cohen struck first on a 6-on-5 opportunity, and then Ausmus took over, netting three goals in the period, including another power play finish.
Rachel Gazzaniga and Stryker also contributed, with Stryker providing both a goal and an assist. By halftime, USC had secured a dominant 10-2 lead.
USC didn't let up after the break. Gazzaniga and Blazevic each scored again, and Hannah Carver added to the tally, stretching the lead to 14-3. San Jose State managed a brief surge in the third quarter, but the Trojans held a solid 14-5 lead entering the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Ausmus notched her fourth goal with an assist from Sinia Plotz. The Spartans responded, but Plotz quickly fired back with two consecutive goals. Stryker continued her impact with two assists, ensuring USC remained in control until the final whistle.
Defensively, Anna Reed was a stalwart in goal, recording seven saves, three steals, and an assist, effectively stifling the Spartans' offensive attempts. USC's balanced attack and relentless defense sealed the 19-8 triumph.
Notables
Scoring: The Trojans spread the wealth with multiple players contributing to the scoreboard.
Saves: Reed's performance in goal was crucial to limiting San Jose State's opportunities.
Up Next
USC returns home to the Uytengsu Aquatics Center to face Indiana as they continue MPSF play. This will be just their second home game of the season.