FULLERTON: THE 2021 OEC CHAMPIONS

The 7-0 Fullerton College women's water polo team laid claim to its 5th Orange Empire Conference title in the last seven years.

The last time FC won the conference was in 2019 when the team won it all taking its second state title. Other OEC titles were had in 2014 (also state champs), 2016, and 2018. They were all had under Head Coach Gabriel Martinez, who is the program's winningest coach (.756 since 2008).

Going into the OEC Championship Tournament at Orange Coast College, the Hornets were the No. 1 seed ranked No. 3 in the state behind West Valley and Santa Barbara.

On Friday, Fullerton made a statement beating district-rival Cypress College 15-3 in the semi-final game. Emily Jack led the way scoring 4 goals, while Maggie Moreno followed with 3 goals of her own. Neida Torres and Julissa Velazquez both pumped in 2 goals.

Saturday's title game was against the tournament host Orange Coast. The game was tied 2-2 by the end of the first quarter, but the Hornets doubled up by halftime taking a 6-3 lead on goals by Adrianna Wong, Julissa Velazquez and Neida Torres. FC maintained a 10-5 lead midway through the fourth quarter keeping the Pirates off balance. Orange Coast managed 2 consecutive goals in junk time with the game well at hand. Torres and Wong were the goal leaders scoring 4 apiece.

Up Next: Fullerton (26-6 overall, 7-0 OEC) will play in the SoCal Regional Tournament to be held at Southwestern College in the San Diego area November 11-13.

Release by Phil Thurman, FC SID