December 09, 2021
Cal's Men's Water Polo Team Defeats UCLA For 17th NCAA Title!
San Rafael, CA – The Cal's Men's Water Polo Team defeated top-seeded UCLA 13-11 to secure its 3rd consecutive NCAA Championship.
The Bears (24-5) won their 17th NCAA championship, the most all-time among Division I men's water polo programs. This is the program's 6th NCAA championship under Head Coach Kirk Everist.
"It's only been done a few times. To be able to figure out how to win three in a row is something that's very rare, but this is an extremely rare group. I'm proud to be a part of it," Everist said.
Senior, Nikolas Papanikolaou, was named the NCAA Championship MVP for the third consecutive year. Papanikolaou netted two goals in the first half to help the Bears take a 9-6 lead going into halftime.
Following some back-and-forth scoring in the third quarter, the Bruins were able to cut the lead to two with a goal from Frederico Jucá Carsalade early in the fourth quarter. However, Max Casabella quickly answered with his 5th goal of the day, reestablishing a three-goal lead with five minutes left to play.
Despite a late goal from UCLA, the Bears were able to hold onto the lead to defeat the Bruins 13-11. The win solidifies Cal's reputation as a powerhouse in men's water polo, earning them the coveted title of "National Champions" that they have become accustomed to in recent years.
USSC is proud to partner with Cal Water Polo Head Coach, Kirk Everist, this winter off the heels of their 17th NCAA title! Don't miss out on being a part of a winning tradition this winter at the Cal Boy's Water Polo Winter Camp.
The focus of the program will be in-water instruction on the fundamentals of the game. Fundamental passing, shooting, team and individual defense along with tactical discipline and individual aspects of the game will be discussed. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with the top players and coaches in the country.
Campers, coaches, and parents interested in the Cal Boys Water Polo Camp can visit www.ussportscamps.com or call 1-800-645-3226.
About US Sports Camps
US Sports Camps (USSC), headquartered in San Rafael, California, is America's largest sports camp network and the licensed operator of Nike Sports Camps. The company has offered summer camps since 1975 with the same mission that defines it today: to shape a lifelong enjoyment of athletics through high quality sports education and skill enhancement.