Bobcats claim third place at CCCAA state finals

The Saddleback men's water polo team completed the season with a 21-15 win over Diablo Valley College in the third place game at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Tournament.  The Bobcats finished the season 28-8 for its best season ever.

Saddleback fought hard in the semifinals on Friday before falling to West Valley College, 12-9, putting them in the third place game on Saturday against Diablo Valley College.  The Bobcats came out on fire, leading throughout the entire game.  Saddleback scored early and often, leading 14-6 at the half and 18-11 after the third quarter in cruising to the win.

Jack Stevens was a workhorse, leading Saddleback with six goals in the game.  Andrew Barnuevo and Alec Isaacman both scored four goals apiece while Dylan Gallegos added three for the Bobcats.

Saddleback opened the game with a goal from Barnuevo in the opening 14 seconds for a 1-0 lead.  The Bobcats kept the pressure on when Isaacman connected with 6:51 left in the opening quarter for a 2-0 lead.  Saddleback would tack on six more goals in the opening quarter, with Gallegos and Jackson Butler adding two apiece.

Saddleback led 8-5 early in the second quarter before putting the game out of reach with six straight goals for a 14-5 lead.  Stevens scored three straight times over a 1:20 span, taking the wind out of the Vikings.

Saddleback led 18-11 after the third quarter, giving the Bobcats a chance to get a number of new caps into the game.  Aiden Rule connected on a goal at the 3:04 mark for the final Bobcat goal as Saddleback cruised to a 21-15 win.

Saddleback finishes the season 28-8 overall.  The 28 wins tied a program record of 28 set back in 1998.  The third place finish also tied a program record with the 1988 team that finished 24-9.