UCL Mixed Water Polo team has been led to success in the Varsity 2026, with a final score of 20-13 to UCL — a massive redemption from a loss of 12-5 last year.
Led by Captain Elsa Vitali — the first female captain of the Waterpolo team — they brought home the trophy despite deliberate targeting of Vitali by KCL.
The first quarter opened with first possession for UCL but the first goal came from KCL. UCL was able to save a second attempt at goal from KCL and break even following a penalty.
The atmosphere was tense, as the teams seemed pretty evenly matched with both sides scoring three more goals each, leaving the score 4-4 in the first quarter.
The crowd was uneasy at this draw. Especially the UCL fans when it was discovered that Vitali had been excluded for the rest of the match.
Vitali later claimed that KCL had chosen to target her by arranging their defence to draw her to pit — a position from which it is easiest to draw fouls in water polo. This caused her to commit three major fouls early on and she was, therefore, excluded from the rest of the match.
In the second quarter KCL had first possession, but the first goal came from UCL. KCL followed this with a goal of their own. UCL made an attempt to score again, but this was saved. KCL then tried for a goal, but this was saved.
UCL was finally able to score again, breaking the draw deadlock. The Purples gathered a strong lead, scoring four goals in succession, with KCL scoring one more just before the end of the second quarter. The score was UCL 11 - KCL 6 at the end of the second quarter.
Following the second quarter, the teams switched sides of the pool. UCL had first possession but was unable to score.
Despite the UCL keeper saving the first two attempts, KCL was able to score. After some fumbling from both sides, UCL was able to make a great goal which bounced in from the goal post. The confidence from UCL fans was high and the goals continued to come, bringing the score to UCL 14 - KCL 9 at the end of the third quarter.
The UCL crowd was quietly optimistic preceding the fourth and final quarter. UCL had first possession but this was lost to KCL. KCL quickly went on the offensive but their goal attempt was saved by the UCL goalie.
A back and forth began as UCL and KCL alternated, scoring two goals each. UCL scored one more goal before calling timeout. Shortly after resuming, KCL called a timeout also.
Following the timeout, KCL had possession scoring two more goals – the UCL fans grew uneasy as the score reached 17 UCL - 13 KCL. However, Team UCL alleviated any tensions by going on the offensive and scoring three more goals. The final goal was scored with just 24.9 seconds to spare!
UCL took home the trophy, jumping back in the pool all smiles, having secured a strong victory with 20 goals to KCL’s 13.
Post-match
After the team had celebrated, I spoke with UCL Water Polo’s Captain Vitali. She reflected on how tough last year’s varsity was. Arriving at the pool today, the atmosphere was different among the team — there was a real sense of possibility that the team could win.
What made the team so strong this year? Vitali claimed it was a combination of a really great group of freshers and a focus on building a community — like a family — within the team. A strong community has helped increase turnout and performance at training because people look forward to coming.
Vitali also reflected on her exclusion from the match. The strategy from KCL succeeded in getting her excluded early but failed in its aim to demoralise Team UCL. Elsa explained that, in fact, staying on the pool side meant she could communicate with her team more easily, as she could see the game better. Observing the game better meant she was able to direct her team to victory.
Envisioning the future, Elsa is stepping down from captaincy next year as she is taking a year abroad. However, she has high hopes for next year's team, having been involved in the selection. But before next year the UCL Water Polo still has playoffs to look forward to!
Congratulations UCL Water Polo!