Pirates survive in regional quarters with win over Citrus
GLENDORA -- Despite a late charge by host Citrus College, the Orange Coast College men's water polo team survived and pulled out a 16-14 win over the host Owls in the quarterfinals of the 2014 Southern California Regional Championships.
With the win, the fifth-seeded Pirates (16-11) will advance to the semifinals where they will meet up with Orange Empire Conference rival Golden West on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. at Citrus College.
Coast jumped out to a 5-2 advantage after the opening period and led 8-5 at the half. The lead grew to 13-7 after three periods before the Owls (20-7) pushed back, scoring seven fourth-period goals to make things interesting.
But the Pirates, led by Dillon Avila's four goals, one assist and three blocks, were able to hold off the tourney hosts and now, they must try and beat the Rustlers for the first time in three attempts this year. Coast pushed the Rustlers in the OEC finale, but fell 9-5 and the same two teams met again at the OEC championships, where GWC prevailed, 18-8.
Scott Brush was solid for the Pirates with three goals, while Jake Ousten added two goals and two assists and Garret Glore chipped in two goals and one assist. Single tallies were contributed by Joshua Hayashi, Jake Davis, Matt Schrout, Trent Hayes and Taos Cadarette, while in goal, Massimo Navarretta came up with nine saves.
For the Owls, Charles Ortega led the offense with six goals, while Robert Renteria added three. In goal, Drake Santos stopped nine shots.
