Men’s Water Polo Preview: Tigers Look to Return to Past Form
The Riverside City College men's water polo team reached its 15th consecutive California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Southern Regional tournament last season setting the stage for another year locked with high expectations.
The Tigers finished the season six games below .500 after being bounced in round two of the regionals by the eventual State Champion Golden West College. Nevertheless, Head Coach Jason Northcott and the coaching staff is confident in a roster that boast a perfect mix of returns and fresh faces leading into another year of stiff competition in and out of conference play.
"The recent return to normalcy definitely makes the staff feel like we can breathe a little easier," said Northcott. "This year, much like last year, is going to be a year of evaluating and we will be continuing to set goals to achieve. I am excited and I am enjoying working with the sophomores and newcomers. The sophomores are focused, more mature and ready to go."
They will begin their season by traveling up North to compete in Merced College's North vs. South Tournament which features all Northern California competition. They return home in early September to host Mt. San Antonio College and Ottowa University in the RCC Mini Tournament, followed by the Inland Empire College Classic that will feature firm four-year competition.
Orange Empire Conference (OEC) competition will be arguably the most challenging string of games highlighted by Golden West, Saddleback and Orange Coast. All three teams reached the Southern Regional championships and earned 16 or more victories. The Tigers went 3-4 in conference action last season and lost to all three teams.
"We really like how are first 11 games are set up. Less than two weeks into the season and we have played five games right off the bat. It's an opportunity to play everyone and evaluate."
The Tigers have eight returners on this year's roster and leading the charge is sophomore driver Louis Grandi.
Grandi, who was tabbed a First-Team All-Conference honoree, was a staple in the water by appearing in 27 games and starting in 22. He led the team in goals (92) and assist (38). He scored at least one goal in every game highlighted by a nine goal outburst against Fullerton in the conference opener. He scored five or more goals in five games, dished out three or more assists in seven games and pocketed three or more steals in 17 games.
Sophomore driver Reese Starkey followed with 54 goals which ranked second on the team last year. He paced the team with 78 steals and was second on the squad with 23 drawn ejections. Sophomore driver Relja Mitic was an all-around weapon with 47 goals and 41 steals, while freshman Tommy Dempsey netted 45 goals, 29 assists, 27 steals and 25 drawn ejections.
It was goalkeeper by committee last season, but sophomore Seth Zarn returns after clocking the majority of the time between the pipes. He finished with 79 saves and four wins.
"The sophomores will provide that strong foundation and will fill important roles. The newcomers like Nicolas Sadowski and Connor Lynton will be a nice addition. Starkey was a huge leader and I expect big things from him. While his stat line may not glow at the end of the game, the minutes he clocks are very valuable."
Only one of four Southern teams have reached the regional tournament in 15-consecutive season and Northcott expects the Tiger's streak to stay alive.
"The years that we reached the state championship tournament, I never expected. But, our goal is to always make the regionals, and earn a very high seed. We are looking to set ourselves up for success."
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