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By Regina Yeh

Daily Bruin Contributor

Throughout the past week of practice, the women’s water polo team emphasized specific game plans in anticipation to San Jose State and Stanford.

In blue and white caps, the UCLA players trained against one another, weaving limbs with waves, playing half out of the water in consistent ball passing and guarding.

All of the hours of practice will be put to the test Saturday and Sunday at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center. The team anticipates the challenge the two nationally ranked universities can provide.

“I think we’re coming up with lots of confidence this weekend. We just want the ball bouncing our way,” junior center defender Robin Beauregard said.

“Our practices have been focused on preparing for game plans for individual teams, San Jose State and Stanford,” she added. “We’re improving every game, every practice.”

Four weeks into the season, the Bruins are undefeated except for losses to the Cardinal (8-0), ranked first in the nation. The Bruins (7-2) are especially looking to score a win on Sunday against Stanford.

Last week’s game against Stanford ended in defeat with a tie-breaking score, encouraging the team to further step up to the challenge of winning this weekend’s competitions.

“We’re definitely encouraged about last weekend’s result,” head coach Adam Krikorian said. “We don’t really get too much competition – the top four teams really separate themselves from everybody else. Sunday’s game is an opportunity to get a really good game.”

And, beyond just competition, the team continues to emphasize improvement and intensity.

“Both of the teams will be fun to play, and we’re getting pumped up for the games,” junior goalkeeper Jaime Hipp said. “And I think at this point it’s about time that we beat Stanford.”