The No. 10 Princeton women's water polo team dropped a 14-2 decision to No. 3 Southern California in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship Friday. A first quarter offensive rally by USC would be enough to propel past the Tigers in the opening round.

In the first quarter, it was a defensive battle as both sides were unable to capitalize on their early attempts. Despite the Tigers holding a 4-2 shot advantage through the first three minutes, USC's Colleen O'Donnell broke the Women of Troy onto the board at 3:47. From that point forward Southern California would control the game, as Princeton's offense struggled to find the back of the net.

Down 3-0 entering the second quarter, Princeton would concede three more goals before Kelly Gross broke the Tigers onto the board. With 57 seconds remaining in the second quarter, the Princeton freshman connected on an opening to make it a 6-1 game heading into halftime.

In the third period, the Women of Troy remained in control, preventing the Tigers from putting together a second half rally. After seeing Southern California's lead swell as high as 9-1, freshman Camille Hooks added the Tigers second goal of the game. At 4:32, Hooks found an opening on the outside to slam a shot to the far post. Her goal would be the final offensive tally Princeton would have in the game.

Princeton had 14 shots on goal in the game.

From that point forward, USC added four more goals over the final minutes of the third quarter and through the fourth.

Goalie Kristen Ward had three saves over her four quarters of work.

Princeton will face Iona on Saturday, May 12 at 3 p.m. ET in the consolation round. Iona fell to UCLA 14-3 in the quarterfinals.