Owls Fly High in 2017 Season

The Citrus College Women's Water Polo team ended its season Friday with a narrow loss to Riverside in the 2017 Southern California Regional Championships. The Owls end their 2017 campaign on a high note with a gritty, hard fought 17-10 overall record and a 7-2 conference mark. The blue collar Owl team, led by a group of seasoned Sophomores and the bright light of potential in a very solid Freshman class, moved into the postseason for the second straight year under Head Coach Jennifer Spalding. 

Citrus had recovered from the previous Saturday's loss to Santa Barbara in the conference title match, and took down San Diego Mesa in the first round of regionals Thursday. 

The Fighting Owls saw strong performances once again from Sophomore Utility players Jessica Carmody who netted 4 goals along with 2 assists in the match, and Hunter Olivier who tallied 5 steals and 3 goals. 

Citrus had been ranked #7 in the state going into the regional tournament, and should end up ranked in the top 10 for the final poll. As a team, Citrus ends the season ranked in the top 20 in the state in almost every major statistical category. Individually, Olivier ranks an impressive and well rounded 3rd in assists, 4th in steals and 7th in points. Chloe Borracas showed off her expertise in frustrating her opponents, ranking 2nd in the state in exclusions drawn. Carmody, who has been the offensive leader for the Owls this season, showed her versatility by fighting to the 5th rank statewide in field blocks. 

Citrus will graduate 7 Sophomores, but have a solid returning cast of Freshmen that should prove to be contenders once again for a conference and regional title.