The 2021 women's water polo season is under way and Fullerton College enters the season as the early favorites to capture the Orange Empire Conference title in 2021.  The Hornets are coming off a state championship season in 2019 and have won two of the past six state titles.

The Orange Empire Conference has long been a power in women's water polo, winning nine of the past 11 state titles and 16 total titles since the sport was introduced to the state in 1996.  Golden West College has won eight state championships while Riverside City College has won five, Fullerton has won two and Orange Coast College has won one. 

In early action this season, Fullerton has started the season 6-0 against a very tough schedule.  The closest game came against Orange Coast at the OCC Tournament when they turned back the host Pirates, 13-10.  OCC is 4-1 out of the gate, with its lone loss coming against Fullerton.

Some of the top players to watch for this season include Fullerton's Neida Torres, Orange Coast's Destiny Hernandez, Riverside City's Amber Nielson, Golden West's Josephine Martinez, Cypress' Hannah Fonacier and Saddleback's Malia Abrahamian. 

Release by Brad Hoiseth