Owls Finish Second at WSC Championships

Glendora, CA -- The Citrus College Men's Water Polo program had their best regular season finish since 2000 when their 2014 regular season schedule came to a close this weekend at the 2014 Western State Conference Championships. While the Owls were hoping to claim their first conference title since 1996, the Owls instead finished second and will await their seed for the upcoming Southern California Championships.

The weekend started out on Friday afternoon when the Owls played host to Cuesta College. Citrus jumped all over the Cougars in the first quarter with seven goals to Cuesta's one. The Cougars didn't go away quietly though and slowly worked their way back into the game, outscoring Citrus 4-2 in the second. The Owls outpoint the Cougars 3-2 in the third, but Cuesta made it interesting with a 5-3 fourth, with the Owls hanging on for the 15-12 win.

Sophomore Charles Ortega had a big game scoring six goals for the Owls in the win. Freshman Jonathan Lotero scored four more goals, while handing out two assists. Freshman Drake Santos rounded things out with 10 blocks.

With Friday's win, Citrus advanced to the Championship Game on Saturday against LA Valley College, who had handed the Owls a one point loss the previous week. Citrus stumbled out of the gate, and trailed 3-1 after one. Things really opened up in the second as the Monarchs scored seven goals to Citrus' five. The Owls made a move in the third with a 3-1 quarter, putting Citrus down 11-9 after three. LA Valley put it away in the fourth though, handing Citrus an 15-11 loss.

In the loss, Ortega drew 10 ejections, while Lotero and fellow frosh William Martinez each scored three times.

With the win and the loss, Citrus' record moves to 20-7 overall and 4-2 in WSC play. The Owls will await their seeding for the upcoming Southern California Playoffs which will be held at Citrus College this coming weekend.