Stanford Dominates Again: A Championship Victory That Redefines Excellence!

Stanford University’s women’s water polo team continued its domination of collegiate sports on Sunday, securing their 10th NCAA Championship with an 11-7 victory over USC in the 2025 NCAA Championship game. For the Cardinal, this marks their third NCAA title in four seasons, further solidifying their reputation as the gold standard of the sport.

Stanford’s defense was the driving force behind their win, especially in the second half. After a fast-paced start from USC, who took an early 3-1 lead, Stanford adjusted and stepped up its game, outscoring the Trojans 6-2 in the second half. Their impressive defense limited USC to just two goals after halftime, while the offense was in full gear, led by the dynamic Juliette Dhalluin, who scored a hat trick.

The win was another milestone for Stanford, a program that has now claimed an NCAA title in 10 of its 25 seasons of competition. The Cardinal’s relentless pursuit of excellence was evident all season long as they posted a 25-1 record and captured both the NCAA and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) championships. This victory also extends an incredible streak for Stanford Athletics: with this title, they have now won at least one NCAA team championship for 49 consecutive years, a streak that began in 1976.

A Family Affair for Christine Carpenter

One of the defining moments of the game was the incredible performance of Stanford goalkeeper Christine Carpenter, who was named Most Valuable Player of the All-Tournament Team. With nine crucial saves, Carpenter anchored a defense that shut down USC’s offense, keeping them scoreless for an impressive 14:23 stretch in the second half. Carpenter’s performance was a testament to her talent, composure, and leadership in a high-pressure final.

(And yes, I’m incredibly proud to share that Christine is my cousin! Watching her achieve such incredible success is nothing short of inspiring. Her performance in goal wasn’t just about the saves she made—it was her ability to inspire her teammates and stay calm under pressure that truly stood out. As the anchor of a defense that allowed just one second-half goal, she showed what it means to be a champion in both skill and mindset.)

Juliette Dhalluin’s Hat Trick Leads the Way

While my Carpenter stood strong in goal, it was Juliette Dhalluin who stole the show offensively. The junior center scored three goals, including two pivotal ones just before and after halftime that helped Stanford seize control of the game. Her second goal, with just one second remaining in the first half, tied the game at 5-5, and she came through again in the third quarter to give Stanford a lead they would never relinquish.

Dhalluin’s offensive contributions were crucial, but what truly set her apart was her ability to deliver in the clutch. Her hat trick was the turning point of the game, and her performance in the third quarter, where she scored the only goal of the period, was a decisive moment that shifted the momentum in Stanford’s favor.

A Team Effort from Top to Bottom

This victory wasn’t just about one or two players—it was a collective effort from the entire team. Serena Browne contributed two key goals, including two straight to open the fourth quarter, which extended Stanford’s lead to 9-6. Jenna Flynn also added a pair of goals, and Kamryn Barone was instrumental with two goals of her own, helping Stanford weather the Trojans’ pressure and maintain control of the game. Ryann Neushul and Jewel Roemer rounded out the scoring with a goal each, showcasing the depth of Stanford’s talented roster.

In addition to Carpenter’s MVP honor, three other Stanford players—Neushul, Flynn, and Carpenter herself—were named to the All-Tournament Team, a testament to the well-rounded and dominant play of the Cardinal throughout the tournament.

Stanford’s Unstoppable Legacy

Stanford’s success in water polo has become the stuff of legend. With 10 NCAA titles and a championship pedigree that stretches across more than two decades, the Cardinal have firmly established themselves as the gold standard in collegiate women’s water polo. This victory not only adds to their storied legacy but also reinforces their position as the most successful program in the history of NCAA women’s water polo.

With this win, Stanford extends its reign atop the sport, continuing to lead the way with their relentless pursuit of excellence. As the nation’s all-time leader in NCAA team championships, Stanford’s 137 titles and unparalleled success across various sports make them a beacon of achievement in collegiate athletics.

The Final Score: Stanford 11, USC 7

Stanford Goals: Juliette Dhalluin (3), Kamryn Barone (2), Serena Browne (2), Jenna Flynn (2), Ryann Neushul (1), Jewel Roemer (1)

All-Tournament Team (MVP): Christine Carpenter (Stanford)
First Team: Ryann Neushul (Stanford), Jenna Flynn (Stanford), Emma Lineback (UCLA), Tilly Kearns (USC), Rachel Gazzaniga (USC), Bernadette Doyle (Hawai’i), Christine Carpenter (Stanford)
Second Team: Ava Stryker (USC), Anna Pearson (UCLA), Jordan Wedderburn (Hawai’i), Eszter Varro (California), Ruby Hodge (Harvard), Ruth Arino Ariz (Loyola Marymount), Anna Reed (USC)

As Stanford’s women’s water polo team celebrates their latest championship, they continue to reinforce the legacy of a program that sets the bar in collegiate athletics.