The ASU water polo team will be protecting its undefeated record this weekend at the Stanford Invitational Tournament in Palo Alto, Calif.
The No. 7-ranked Sun Devils are 6-0 on the season after sweeping tournaments in Michigan and California where they beat No. 12 Cal State Northridge twice, No. 14 Hartwick and No. 15 Cal State Bakersfield.
CS Northridge is the only team to give the Sun Devils a run for their money thus far in the season, losing to the Sun Devils by one goal in each of their two contests.
This weekend the Sun Devils will face off with No. 1 USC (1-0) and No. 2 Stanford, a challenge welcomed by ASU coach Todd Clapper.
“It’s the toughest tournament that we’ve played so far, so it gives us a good chance to see where we’re at,” Clapper said. “It will give us a good chance to see what we need to do to get to the national championship. It’s going to be a great step for us.”
To stay competitive, the Sun Devils will need a big weekend from senior Addison McGrath — who has scored multiple goals in all of the Sun Devils victories this season — and freshman goaltender Dana Harvey, who has earned the top spot in net over sophomore Kaitlyn Morris.
“Right now they’re both playing great; Dana has just been playing a little better,” Clapper said. “Right now Kate is a great second option, but we’ll have to see.”
To be successful against USC, the Sun Devils will need to find a way to contain All-American senior Michelle Stein and sophomore Kristen Dronberger, both members of the U.S. National B team who combined for four goals in USC’s only game this season, an 18-4 victory over Hartwick.
Reach the reporter at jaking5@asu.edu.
