Women's Water Polo Hauls in Bronze at OEC Championships

Just two years ago, the Riverside City College women's water polo team was battling for a CCCAA State Championship against Orange Empire Conference (OEC) rival Fullerton College. While the playoff picture is slightly different this season, the Tigers still had an eye on reaching the podium at the OEC Championships.

Riverside routed Saddleback College in the opening game of the championships, but ultimately fell in the semifinal showdown to the Orange Coast College Pirates. Despite the loss, Riverside was able to compete for the third-place trophy on Saturday afternoon against the Cypress College Chargers.

It was a tight battle with peaks and valleys, but it was Riverside who reigned supreme by the final score of 8-7.

It was a back-and-forth affair for the entire game as Cypress held a slight edge at halftime. The Chargers extended their lead two late in the third, but Riverside went on a 5-1 run to end the contest leading to an 8-7 win.

Freshman Lauren Nelson was the catalyst down the stretch as she scored three of the Tigers five final goals. Freshman Lauren Loffelmacher fired home the other two.

Freshman Taylor Mason was a pest on the defensive end with five steals, while freshman Caleigh Reynoldson pocketed two steals and dished out one assist.

Freshman McKenna Ortiz (6-3) earned the win despite not recording a single save.

Riverside will continue action at the CCCAA Southern Regional playoffs this upcoming weekend. Stay tuned to www.rccathletics.com for seeding and more information.