Women’s Water Polo Deemed Top Squad in State Rankings

The Riverside City College women's water polo team has been on an absolute tear. They recently finished September play on a 9-1 mark with all nine wins coming against top community college opponents. Their recent domination has earned them the top ranking in the state.

According to the most recent California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) rankings, the Tigers don the top spot over a pair of fellow Orange Empire Conference (OEC) foes. Fullerton follows at second overall, while Santa Barbara rounds out the top three.

Of the top-10 teams, Riverside has defeated No. 2 Fullerton, No. 3 Santa Barbara and No. 9 LA Valley. The win over Fullerton was a three-point spread (9-6), while the victory over SBCC was a two-point margin (11-9). The victory over LA Valley was the more commanding of the trio (10-5).

Riverside will face tough competition in October with No. 4 Long Beach, No. 5 Citrus and No. 7 Golden West on the schedule. RCC will play all three opponents on the road and Citrus in consecutive days.

The Tigers have displayed depth and a plethora of options throughout the opening month of action. Four players have already reached double-digit goals with 19 players scoring at least one goal. Freshman Maria Roldan leads her team in goals with 20 to go along with 15 steals and 12 assists. Freshman Nicole Tormey has strung together a strong start with 17 netters, 26 steals and 11 assists. Her steals total is sixth overall in the state.

Sophomore Goalkeeper Madison Button has manned the cage and earned eight victories thus far. She has reeled in 65 saves in the process.