BERKELEY – For the second straight year, California women's water polo goalkeeper Isabel Williams has been named to the Cutino Award Watch List, it was announced Thursday morning.

Through 13 games, the two-time ACWPC All-American goalkeeper has anchored the No. 2 Golden Bears to one of their best defensive starts to a season in recent memory. With Williams starting in every contest, Cal has allowed an MPSF-best 6.2 goals per game despite being the only team in the conference to play all of its games against top-25 opponents.

Now at the midpoint of her fifth season with the Bears, Williams is averaging career numbers in the saves department, leading the MPSF in both saves per game (12.3) and save percentage (.675). She also ranks 10th in steals with 17.

Williams' performances have been remarkably consistent, with her recording at least 12 saves in 10 out of 13 games. Last weekend, she became the third player in program history to reach 700 career saves, and at her current pace, she can surpass Stephanie Peckham (816, 2009-11) for most all-time in a Bear uniform.

On Tuesday, Williams earned her second MPSF Player of the Week award of the season and fourth of her career. It came after a 12-save, two-steal outing in a 19-4 win over No. 21 Pacific and a nine-save, three-steal showing against then-No. 2 Hawaii. Against the Rainbow Wahine, Williams kept the game from going into overtime with a difficult clutch save in the final seconds, preserving a 9-8 win and holding UH to a new season-low in goals.

This is the second year that USA Water Polo and The Olympic Club have collaborated to put out the Cutino Award Watch List, which was voted on by varsity college coaches around the country to recognize the nation's top-22 athletes for their outstanding play.

Isabel Williams makes the Cutino Award Watch List once again, being voted as one of the nation's top 22 players! ????

Isabel is having a career year, anchoring the MPSF's top defense and leading the conference in saves (12.3 per game) and save % (.675).#SheIsHer #GoBears ?? pic.twitter.com/7Y1tqjW2o4

— Cal W Water Polo (@CalWWPolo) March 14, 2024

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