The No. 1 Golden West men's water polo team took down the host Riverside Tigers 18-7 to be crowned 2015 Orange Empire Champions.
With the win, Golden West improves to 24-1 overall on the season and maintains the No. 1 spot going into the Southern California Regional Playoffs.
In today's matchup the Rustlers jumped out to a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter. Alessandro Valania netted the first goal of the game from 9 meters out and to set the Rustlers in motion. Nathan Sinclair and Botond Kadar each scored on the next two possessions.
It wasn't until late in the 1st period when Riverside was able to get on the board with a goal from Jonah Saenz to reduce the lead to 3-1.
The Rustlers would end up outscoring Riverside 15-6 in the final 3 periods of play to assure themselves the No. 1 seed in the regional playoffs.
Tigers fall to 16-10 overall.
Both teams advance to next weekend. Golden West as the No. 1 seed and Riverside will take the No. 7 seed.
In the 3rd place game, Orange Coast College defeated Fullerton College 13-5. Orange Coast will take the No. 9 slot in the Southern California Regional tournament.
Final OEC Seeding:
1. Golden West
2. Riverside
3. Orange Coast
4. Fullerton
5. Saddleback
Regional Playoffs are held at Mt. Sac College on Thursday, November 12 – 14, 2015