The LMU Lions Women's Water Polo team is gearing up for the Golden Coast Conference tournament and the next step is Saturday's game against the Fresno State Bulldogs.
 
In LMU's most recent game that took place on Friday, March 15 against Princeton University, the Lions extended their winning streak to 13, along with setting their overall record at 20-2, which is the best start in program history.
 
On that record-breaking start for the team, junior utility player Sophie Kadifa spoke on how going 20 and 2 happened for her team. "I think our team dynamic this year is powerful. We all really care about water polo, we care about LMU, and we care about each other … We've done a lot of work journaling and doing team bonding exercises to really build that connection between everyone, and it's really worked." Kadifa speaking on the extra work of the deep connection that the team has built speaks to their dedication to implement a winning mindset into their everyday practices.
 
Going into the conference game, LMU and Fresno State are both currently undefeated in GCC games. This is important because this game will determine who jumps ahead and to be number 1 in the conference. The Lions last match up against the Bulldogs was earlier this season on February 2, when the Lions walked away with a 10-7 victory. This meant the Lions broke a four-game losing streak that the Bulldogs have had over them.
 
Ultimately the result of Saturday's game will hold tremendous weight as the season progresses, as winning will set the standard for the conference. The last time LMU women's water polo walked away victorious as the conference champions was in 2015.
 
Kadifa spoke on what the preparation is looking like for the conference game. "So next week we need to beat Fresno State, which we beat earlier in the season in just a normal tournament, this one matters because if we beat Fresno State we have the chance to be seeded number one going into the conference tournament. We haven't beaten Fresno State in conference play in a really long time and they are a really dominant team."
 
A key point of focus for the Lions is to study and hone in on the opponents strengths and weaknesses, so they feel knowledgeable and prepared for what they will be met with in the pool.
 
A highlight going into the 2024 women's water polo season, was that they received new lights for the pool that would allow them to play night games. This was an important step for the Lions to be able to build more engagement around the LMU community. That is exactly what getting the lights did. As more people got off work and finished up their classes for the day, they made their way over to the Burns Aquatic Center.
 
Senior goalkeeper Inbar Geva says, "It's great to see the support. At the end of the day, they are our friends and we love to see them supporting us after we supported them in the fall. We want to succeed not just for our team, we want to succeed for the whole school."
 
Geva being the last deciding factor to if an opposing team scores on the Lions or not, attributes support to the fire and enthusiasm that she has for this team.
 
All the way from Australia senior utility player Skye Nankervis also spoke to what the support from fans means to her. "Oh yeah, it's massive. I think having the home games and having everyone come to support, just inside of you the excitement inside of you when you go online up and you look and see friends, you see previous teammates, you see alumni all coming and watching I think it really brings the environment."
 
It's been nine years since their last title, and they are feeling hungry for that championship feeling again.