STANFORD, Calif. - Despite a furious second-half rally, No. 1 Stanford dropped a hard-fought 14-12 decision to No. 3 USC Sunday afternoon in the NCAA final at Avery Aquatic Center.
Trailing 7-1 at halftime and 11-3 with one minute remaining in the third period, the Cardinal erupted for eight goals in the fourth period but was unable to draw closer.
"We dug ourselves a big hole, but our guys showed tremendous character not giving up and fighting hard to come back," said John Vargas, Stanford's Dunlevie Family Director of Men's Water Polo. "Congratulations to USC, they had a heck of a game today.
"I am proud of this group and the season we had," Vargas added. "Our three seniors inspired our team all year long. We wish them all the best as they go on to the next chapter of their careers. I know they will be very successful. I want to also recognize our fans, who have supported us all year. It was certainly an electric environment out there."
Appearing in the final for the first time in a decade and seeking its first NCAA title since 2002, Stanford (21-3) was plagued by a slow start. The Cardinal fell behind 5-0 in the first period and was held scoreless until Dylan Woodhead found the cage with 5:20 remaining in the second period.
Stanford was led by Ben Hallock, who scored a team-high five goals. Bennett Williams contributed three goals, Tyler Abramson added two while Dylan Woodhead and Quinn Woodhead chipped in with one apiece.
0:40 3Q | Lewis sends it long to @ben__ben_will, who scores on the fastbreak.
— Stanford Water Polo (@StanfordMWP) December 2, 2018
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"We can appreciate how hard it is to get here," Hallock said. "We know how hard it is to win. Hats off to USC, they played a great game. I can't thank our seniors enough. They have been outstanding mentors to all of us. They will really be missed."
6:38 4Q | @ben_hallock takes the feed from Woodhead and punches it home from two meters.
— Stanford Water Polo (@StanfordMWP) December 3, 2018
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USC, which recorded its second win in three meetings this season against Stanford – all of which came on The Farm – received five goals from Jacob Mercep, who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Spurred on by a raucous home crowd, Stanford rallied to within 13-11 with 58 seconds remaining after Williams converted a penalty shot.
However, Jake Ehrhardt answered on the next sequence to give USC breathing room at 14-11.
"Today was a disappointment, but we had a great season overall and we are proud of our accomplishments," senior goalie Oliver Lewis said. "This group of guys is special."
Stanford closed out its season at 21-3 overall, capturing its sixth MPSF crown in school history two weeks ago.
Hallock, Williams, Blake Parrish and Tyler Abramson were each named to the all-tournament team.
With first- and second-year players making a strong impact on the lineup throughout the season, the Cardinal is poised to make another strong run at the title next fall.
"Our seniors have been the emotional backbone of our team all season," said junior Bennett Williams. "It is clear how much Stanford means to them. It has been a pleasure to play with them and learn from these three mentors."