STANFORD, Calif. - No. 1 Stanford (24-1, 5-1 MPSF) defeated USC 11-9 to secure its ninth NCAA title in school history and repeat for the first time since 2014-15. Appearing in its 12th NCAA final in 13 seasons, Stanford avenged its only loss and closed out another stellar campaign which included a second straight MPSF crown and its best start to a season (16-0) since 2011. The nation's only program to have participated at every NCAA Championship since the event's inception in 2001, Stanford's 16-game winning streak to open the season was its longest overall since 2014.
NCAA Title No. 9Stanford received multi-goal performances from four players and made several defensive stops down the stretch, defeating USC 11-9 in the NCAA final.
Ryann Neushul and Jewel Roemer both contributed two goals and two assists, pacing a balanced offensive attack featuring seven different goal scorers. Maya Avital was sensational in goal, denying a penalty shot and making 11 saves, representing the seventh time this season she finished with at least 10 saves.
The Cardinal raced out to a 4-1 lead, highlighted by a pair of goals from Celeste Wijnbelt, who entered the game having scored eight all season. USC responded with three unanswered goals in the second quarter, holding Stanford scoreless to force a 4-4 tie at halftime.
Leading 6-5 with 3:24 remaining in the third period, Stanford received goals from Sophie Wallace and Neushul to move ahead 8-5 with eight minutes left. Wallace's second goal put Stanford into double digits but USC scored three times in a three-minute span, cutting the deficit to 10-9.
Ella Woodhead gave the Cardinal some breathing room with 50 seconds remaining, finding the cage for her 10th goal of the season.
Rivalry Renewed
Stanford and USC have combined to win the last 13 NCAA titles, fueling a rivalry that dominates the sport.
However, the Cardinal has won six of the last eight meetings overall, with all of those victories clinching a tournament title (NCAA -2, MPSF - 2, Barbara Kalbus Invitational - 2). The Trojans have won the last four MPSF regular-season tilts.
The Cardinal repeated as MPSF champions for the second time in school history (2000-01) and captured its seventh conference title overall, having also won the crown in 2014, 2006 and 2003.
Back-to-Back MPSF Titles
No. 2 Stanford led from start to finish and Aria Fischer produced four goals and three assists, fueling Stanford to its second straight MPSF title with a 12-7 victory over No. 1 USC.
The Cardinal repeated as MPSF champions for the second time in school history (2000-01) and captured its seventh conference title overall, having also won the crown in 2014, 2006 and 2003.
Fischer's standout performance led the way for the Cardinal, which also received multi-goal efforts from Jenna Flynn, Jewel Roemer and Sophie Wallace.
Stanford set the tone early, claiming a 5-1 lead by the end of the first period. Two of those goals came from Fischer while Christina Hicks gave the Cardinal some extra breathing room with a clutch goal right before the horn.
After USC scored to open the second period, Ryann Neushul converted a 6-on-5 opportunity at the 6:40 mark to keep momentum with Stanford.
Leading 7-4 at halftime, Stanford continued to press offensively and close gaps defensively, scoring five second-half goals and limiting USC to three scores.
The Cardinal's defense continued its strong play, allowing fewer than 10 goals for the 19th time this season. Maya Avital anchored the defense with nine saves in goal.
Balanced Offense + Stingy Defense
The Cardinal averaged 16.2 goals per game (405 total) and received at least one goal from all 22 available players.
Stanford's defense was stingy, with Maya Avital serving as the anchor in goal, making 189 saves and totaling at least 10 stops in seven contests.
Aria Fischer's Final Season
Aria Fischer was named Stanford's seventh recipient of the Peter J. Cutino Award, presented to the nation's most outstanding collegiate player. Fischer is the seventh player in school history to win the award, joining Makenzie Fischer (2019, 2022), Kiley Neushul (2012, 2015), Annika Dries (2011, 2014), Melissa Seidemann (2013), Jackie Frank (2003) and Brenda Villa (2002). The Cardinal has been awarded 10 Cutino Award honors overall.
The ACWPC Player of the Year, Fischer is a three-time NCAA champion who also closed out her career as a four-time ACWPC All-American, qualifying for the first team three times (2019, 2022-23) and the second team in 2018. Selected as the Most Valuable Player of both the NCAA Tournament and MPSF Tournament, Fischer is a four-time All-MPSF selection and led the Cardinal in goals (71), assists (45), points (116) and shots (142).
On March 26 in a win against Arizona State, Fischer became the seventh player in school history to reach the 200-goal mark and closed out her time on The Farm ranking fifth all-time with 226 overall.
Fischer was also honored as the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America At-Large Team Member of the Year, earning the nation's highest scholastic honor in her division.
Fischer carried a 4.01 GPA and majored in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. One of five Cardinal student-athletes named to the first team, Fischer is Stanford's third Academic All-America At-Large Team Member of the Year selection in school history, following her sister, Makenzie Fischer (2019, 2022). Maggie Steffens (2017) is the Cardinal's only other CSC Academic All-American.
Fischer is embarking on a screenwriting career and will pursue a MA in Screenwriting at MetFilm School in London, England, with the ultimate career goal of becoming a TV writer. Last summer, Fischer completed a production internship for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, assisting on field and in studio shoots while editing scripts. Fischer has also volunteered for the Alliance for Diversity and Equity in Water Polo, assisting the social media and creative teams, seeking out diverse content and amplifying marginalized voices within the water polo community on Twitter.
ACWPC Recognition
Stanford was honored with five Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-Americans, highlighted by Aria Fischer being named the Player of the Year.
Fischer, Ryann Neushul and Maya Avital were all named to the first team while Jewel Roemer and Jenna Flynn earned spots on the second team.
Stanford was honored with at least four ACWPC All-Americans for the 19th consecutive season, with two players qualifying for the first team for the seventh straight year.
The Cardinal has produced 58 All-Americans in school history, with those individuals combining for 144 honors.
Also tabbed an All-MPSF First Team honoree and named to the NCAA and MPSF All-Tournament teams in 2023, Neushul led the Cardinal with 22 multi-goal games while ranking second on the Cardinal in goals (64), assists (41), points (105) and shots (110). Neushul is a three-time ACWPC All-American and three-time All-MPSF recipient.
Avital is a two-time ACWPC All-American, making the jump to a first-team selection this season after being appointed to the second team in 2022. In 23 games as the primary goalkeeper, Avital was named an All-MPSF second-team selection, with her 189 saves ranking eighth all-time on the Cardinal's single-season list. Avital made at least 10 saves in seven contests, including a career-high 17 stops in a win against California on April 22.
A three-time ACWPC All-American, Roemer continued her progression as one of the Cardinal's most dependable and clutch players. Named to the Cutino Award Midseason Watch List, Roemer appeared in 23 games and ranked third on the team in assists (29) and fourth in goals (44), points (73), shots (82) and multi-goal games (16).
The MPSF Newcomer of the Year and one of two freshmen to also earn a spot on the all-conference team, Flynn completed one of the most impressive rookie seasons in school history. Participating in all 25 contests, Flynn ranked third on the Cardinal in goals (60), points (79), shots (105) and multi-goal games (18). Flynn is one of four freshmen in school history to score at least 60 goals in her first season, joining Brenda Villa (69 in 2001), Suze Gardner (63 in 1997) and Maggie Steffens (60 in 2013).
All-MPSF AwardsStanford boasted seven All-MPSF awards selections, matching its highest total since 2014.
Highlighting the selections was Jenna Flynn being named MPSF Newcomer of the Year, becoming the Cardinal's conference-record ninth honoree.
Aria Fischer and Ryann Neushul booked spots on the first team, Maya Avital and Flynn were named to the second team and Jewel Roemer was tabbed honorable mention. Flynn, Maggie Hawkins and Ella Woodhead were All-Freshman team picks.
MPSF All-Academic
Stanford was honored with a conference-best 15 student-athletes on the 2023 6-8 Sports/MPSF All-Academic Team.
The Cardinal, which was matched by California with 15 honorees, has placed at least seven student-athletes on the MPSF All-Academic Team for 20 consecutive seasons.
To be eligible, a student-athlete must carry at least a 3.00 GPA, be at least a sophomore academically, have completed one full academic year at the institution prior to the season for which the award is received and have competed in at least 50 percent of the team's competition in the season for which the award is received.
Tanner's Continued Success
Through 26 seasons, head coach John Tanner has compiled a 622-89 (.874) overall record while directing the Cardinal to 22 all-time NCAA appearances, nine NCAA titles (2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2002) and nine national runner-ups.
Named ACWPC Coach of the Year for the eighth time, Tanner picked up his 600th career victory in Stanford's 25-8 win over Fresno State on Jan. 28.