RCC Rattles Off Two More Wins, Ends Week One at 4-1

Riverside City College men's water polo ended the first week of the 2024 season on a high note, picking up two more wins over San Joaquin Delta College (13-12) and Diablo Valley College (19-2) at the North vs. South Tournament at Merced College on August 31.

The Tigers start the season with a 4-1 record, while San Joaquin Delta and Diablo Valley begin 0-4. RCC will be back in action at the Miramar College Mini Tournament on September 7, facing Grossmont and San Diego Mesa.

In the first game of the day, RCC found itself down a goal, 6-5, at halftime to the Mustangs. The Tigers turned the tables with a 6-1 run to start the second half. It began in the third quarter, as they scored three times and held San Joaquin Delta to just one goal over those eight minutes.

RCC then tallied the first three goals for the fourth quarter to push their lead to a game-high four goals, 11-7, with five minutes left in regulation. Luke Bills and Colby Martin scored twice in that run, while Lennon Franklin assisted on four of the six goals.

San Joaquin Delta fought back within one, 12-11, with two minutes to play, but Bills scored off a Nathan Ferguson assist with 1:46 remaining to keep the Mustangs at arm's reach.

Martin and Bills each scored four goals in the narrow victory. All 13 RCC goals came on assists, with Franklin posting a team-high four to go with a goal of his own. Finn Shelbourne added three assists and Martin had two, as well.

The Tigers came away with 15 steals on defense, with Franklin leading the way there with five. Martin and Jake Armstrong forced three takeaways apiece, while Martin also had two of RCC's four field blocks. 

In the finale with Diablo Valley, RCC cruised to a 17-goal win after jumping out to a 14-1 lead at halftime. Bills erupted for eight goals in the victory, Martin poured on three goals and two assists, Jace Johnson scored a hat trick, and Franklin chipped in four assists. Freshman goalie Leonardo Davis saved eight of the nine shots he faced over a half of play.

Release by Sammi Wellman (Riverside)