LOS ANGELES – No. 1 Stanford women's water polo was handed its first defeat of the season, snapping a 16-game winning streak at No. 2 USC, 17-12.
Jenna Flynn led the offense with five goals, matching her season-high from the first meeting against the Trojans on Feb. 26. Jewel Roemer added her third hat trick of the season with three goals, while Aria Fischer and Ryann Neushul had two goals each. Neushul dished a team-leading three assists, while Fischer earned 10 exclusions.
Maya Avital started between the posts, making eight saves while adding one steal.
The Trojans scored the first three goals of the game, but Stanford immediately fought back to level the score, 3-3, after two scores from Flynn and one from Roemer. Fischer and Neushul gave Stanford its first lead, 5-4, while Flynn scored her third goal before the break to send the teams to the half tied at six apiece.
Stanford scored five goals in the third period but trailed entering the fourth quarter, 12-11. Four different Stanford swimmers scored in the period, led by two goals from Flynn, but USC took command with a 6-1 edge in the fourth quarter to clinch the result.
The Cardinal returns to the water on Sunday, April 16 against San Jose State. The action begins at noon.
Stanford Goals: Jenna Flynn (5), Jewel Roemer (3), Aria Fischer (2), Ryann Neushul (2).