Photo by Bobby R. Hester
Photo by Bobby R. Hester

Women’s Water Polo Places Second at State Championships

For the first time since 2017, the Riverside City College women's water polo team returned to the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championship contest. After reigning supreme in 2017, the Tigers looked to hoist the trophy once again in a ballad against Orange Empire Conference (OEC) foe Fullerton College. In their sixth meeting of the season, Fullerton earned the last laugh as the Tigers fell just short of a championship by the final score of 7-6.

Riverside got off to a slow start in the game as they trailed the Hornets 6-1 entering into the final eight minutes. However, there was plenty of fight left in the Tigers as they tied the game at six all with just under five minutes to play.

It started with a quick six on five goal from freshman and OEC Co-MVP Maria Roldan. Freshman Isabelle Ritter followed with three-straight goals, marking the first-time in her career she scored three-consecutive netters, on consecutive possessions to bring Riverside within one score.

Freshman center Jesenia Wilson tied the game up at six all just under five minutes. However, the game remained stagnant from the on. Eventually, Fullerton's Brianna Santis fired home the game-winning score with 52 seconds left on the clock handing the Tigers a -6 defeat.

Ritter's three goals acted as a career-high off four shots. She added two steals and an assist as well. Freshman Nicole Tormey scored a goal and pocketed three steals, while Roldan matched her in each category.

Freshman Madison Button was charged with the loss after hauling in seven saves, but allowing just as many goals. She finished the season with an overall record of 25-7.

The Tiger wrap up the season on a 28-7 note which included a second place finish in conference, Southern Regionals and state.