Redshirt senior goalie Holly Parker is often the catalyst of the team’s energy, encouraging communication and starting off drives. Parker has recorded 111 saves this season. (Alexis Francel | Daily Trojan)
It’s that time of the year again the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation women’s water polo tournament begins this weekend. Participating teams, including first-seeded USC, second-seeded UCLA, third-seeded Stanford, fourth-seeded Cal, fifth-seeded Arizona State, sixth-seeded Indiana and seventh-seeded San José State will face off at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center for a coveted position in the NCAA tournament.
Fresh off their heartbreaking first loss of the season against UCLA Sunday, the Trojans are looking to recast their focus after earning a bye on the first day of MPSF competition Friday as the No. 1 seed. On Saturday, they’ll make their debut against the winner of Game 3, a matchup between Cal and Arizona State on Friday.
THIS WEEK
No. 1 USC gears up for a four-game run in Tempe, Ariz., this week, as the Trojans engage in action at the ASU Invitational from Feb. 26-28 at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. USC (1-0) opens up against host Arizona State (5-0) for a 9 a.m. MT matchup on Friday (Feb. 26). On Saturday (Feb. 27), USC takes on the Sun Devils again at 9:30 a.m. MT and then turns to face Michigan (4-0) at 2 p.m. MT. USC s competition at the event wraps up on Sunday (Feb. 28) with another battle against the Wolverines at 9 a.m. MT.
RANKINGS
USC started this 2021 campaign in the same spot it wrapped up the shortened 2020 season at No. 1 in the nation. The Trojans have remained in that top spot since those Feb. 7 preseason rankings, staying at No. 1 in this latest set of national rankings (released Feb. 24).