Knowing they would need to win their opening game of the South Coast Conference Tournament to seemingly clinch a post-season bid, the Cerritos College men's water polo team was upset by Mt. San Antonio College, 11-10 on Thursday. The Falcons (20-9) will now play Chaffey College for third place on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. at Mt. San Antonio College.
Even though Cerritos defeated the Mounties in their conference match (8-7), the conference tournament determines what place you finish in the standings. With the best finish for the Falcons being third place, they would only have a chance to make the playoffs if Mt. SAC (12-16) is selected, which is highly unlikely.
In the game, the lead went back and forth with Cerritos holding a 6-3 advantage at halftime. However, with the Falcons leading 9-8 after the third period, Mt. SAC tied the score in the fourth with three minutes remaining. The teams traded goals, but after the Mounties took a late lead, Cerritos was unable to extend the game and will now play for third place.
The quartet of Jesus Munoz (Montebello HS/College of Notre Dame (OH)), Felix Gonzalez (Montebello HS), Alberto Gonzalez (Montebello HS/Mt. San Antonio College) and Kevin Rubio (La Serna HS) all scored twice on the day, with freshman goalie Grant Jimenez (Cerritos HS) posting five saves. Defensively, Felix Gonzalez led the way with four steals, while sophomores David Lumbreras (Downey HS) and Michael Hanna (Cerritos HS) each had three.
November 19, 2014
M. Water Polo: Eight players receive all-conference honors
November 8, 2014
M. Water Polo: Cerritos finishes third in conference
November 6, 2014
M. Water Polo: Tournament loss severely hurts playoff hopes
October 29, 2014
M. Water Polo: Cerritos records easy 20-4 win over El Camino
October 25, 2014
M. Water Polo: Team wins final two games of tourney
October 24, 2014
M. Water Polo: Team splits two games at tournament
October 17, 2014
M. Water Polo: Team wins pair of games at tournament
October 11, 2014
M. Water Polo: Team splits two games at LA Valley Tournament
October 8, 2014
M. Water Polo: Winning streak snapped by LB City
October 1, 2014
M. Water Polo: Falcons alone in first place in conference
September 27, 2014
M. Water Polo: Team wins three of four at tournament
September 24, 2014
M. Water Polo: Falcons hold off Mt. SAC for conference win
September 19, 2014
M. Water Polo: Team pulls away in fourth period against Cal Tech
September 17, 2014
M. Water Polo: Cerritos opens conference with a win
September 7, 2014
M. Water Polo: Falcons open season at Navy Open