Clutch Fourth Quarter Secures Another MPSF TitleClutch Fourth Quarter Secures Another MPSF Title
Women's Water Polo

Clutch Fourth Quarter Secures Another MPSF Title

Stanford claimed its ninth MPSF title and fourth in the past five seasons

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BERKELEY, Calif. – Juliette Dhalluin matched a career high with six goals while Jenna Flynn added four as No. 2 Stanford rallied past No. 1 USC 16-14 on Sunday afternoon in the final of the MPSF Championship.

Stanford (14-1, 5-1 MPSF) claimed its ninth MPSF title and fourth in the past five seasons after repeating in 2022-23 and winning it all in 2025. The Cardinal also won the MPSF championship in 2014, 2006, 2003, 2001 and 2000.

USC (22-3, 6-0 MPSF) handed Stanford its only loss of the season back on March 22, when the Trojans prevailed 11-10 in the final seconds at Avery Aquatic Center.

However, the latest installment of the sport’s best rivalry was another thriller, this time won by the Cardinal. Stanford and USC have combined to win 14 of the last 15 NCAA titles.

Trailing 12-10 entering the final quarter, Stanford ripped off four consecutive goals to take control while its defense smothered USC over the final eight minutes.

Dhalluin scored three of her six goals in the fourth period, including a penalty shot she converted at the 4:46 mark to give Stanford the lead for good at 13-12.

Sienna Green’s score with just over three minutes left provided some breathing room at 14-12 before USC trimmed the deficit to 14-13.

Dhalluin then struck again for her sixth score with one minute remaining before Flynn’s empty-netter sealed the win.

The Cardinal led 4-2 after the first period and 5-4 at halftime.

Christine Carpenter made seven saves in goal, including a clutch stop on a penalty shot from Emily Ausmus with Stanford clinging to a one-goal lead just one minute before intermission.

Stanford will learn its NCAA path during Monday night’s selection show. The nation's only program to have participated at every NCAA Championship since the event's inception in 2001, Stanford is chasing its 11th NCAA title in school history and fourth in five seasons.

Stanford Goals: Juliette Dhalluin (6), Jenna Flynn (4), Kamryn Barone (1), Serena Browne (1), Sienna Green (1), Reagan McEachen (1), Amber Nowaczek (1), Ella Woodhead (1).