Golden West captures OEC Tourney

The Orange Empire Conference (OEC) Tournament came to a close on Saturday and Golden West College was a 10-5 winner over Saddleback College in the championship game at Orange Coast College.  Golden West now enters the Southern California Regional Tournament as the top seed in the southern half of the state.

Golden West is no strangers to winning championships in water polo and the Rustlers added to the trophy case on Saturday at the OEC finals.  The Rustlers fell behind early when Saddleback netted the opening goal of the game less than a minute into the contest.  Golden West proceeded to score seven of the next nine goals in taking a 7-3 lead late in the third quarter.  The lead would prove to be insurmountable as Golden West clamped down in the defensive end and provided little opportunity for the Bobcats to mount a comeback.

Golden West was led by Tomas De Luca, who scored a game-high three goals for the Rustlers.  Itay Roth was a force on defense, recording seven steals in the win.

Golden West improved to 25-3 overall and 7-0 in Orange Empire Conference play with the win.  The Rustler were named the top seed for the regional tournament, which starts this Thursday at Citrus College.  Golden West will play the winner of Palomar College and Los Angeles Valley College on Friday morning at 9:00 AM.  

Saddleback finished the regular season 23-5 overall and 5-2 in Orange Empire Conference play.  The Bobcats were named the No. 2 seed for the tournament and will face the winner of Long Beach City College and Cypress College on Friday at 11:30 AM.  

Two other OEC programs made the field for this weekend's regional tournament.  Orange Coast was named the No. 3 seed and will play Cuesta College on Friday at 12:45 PM.  Cypress was named the No. 10 seed and will play Long Beach City College in the opening round on Thursday at 10:15 AM.  

Release by Brad Hoiseth, Saddleback