Men’s Water Polo Snaps Six-Year Streak on Podium, Finishes Fourth in OEC Championships

The Riverside City College men's water polo team participated in the third place game at the Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Championships on Saturday morning in hopes of landing on the podium for the sixth-consecutive season. It was a tough battle in a back and forth affair, but a third-quarter surge from the Orange Coast College Pirates proved to be too much leading to a 14-12 loss.

The Tigers snap a six-year streak of landing in the top three at the OEC Championship tournament. They have placed third the last three years, but failed to podium this season.

Riverside was haunted by 12 turnovers which likely contributed to the OCC run.

Freshman Sebestian De La Pena-Kenley was the main offensive weapon as he netted a team-high six goals. Freshman Louis Grandi was right behind him with five netters to go along with four steals.

Freshman trio Tommy Dempsey, Reese Starkey and John Mahon all pockets four steals each, while Dempsey dished out a team-high four assists.  

Freshman goalkeeper Pavle Ristic (6-8) was tabbed with the loss after hauling in five saves.

With the fourth place finish, the Tigers are likely to become the eighth seed in the CCCAA Southern California Regional Championships. Stay tuned to www.rccathletics.com for more details.