November 20, 2010

Riverside College Wins 2010 State Championship

Riverside women's water polo concluded a perfect season by winning the California Community Colleges Athletic Association state championship by edging Long Beach City, 9-7, at American River College in Sacramento. The victory was Riverside's 32nd this season and marked the second time in Tiger history the program has managed to put together an undefeated season, capped by winning the state title. In 2007, Riverside went 35-0 in its way to the state title. Riverside's title is the program's third since 2005. The victory over Long Beach City was the Tigers' fifth victory season over Long Beach City.

But it wasn't easy.

Long Beach City took advantage of a first possession 6-5 opportunity, with Christine Meier putting them on top 1-0. Riverside All-American Jamie Clark (North) and state MVP answered back with two goals, giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead. The two teams eventually settled for a 3-3 first-quarter tie.

The second quarter began with an early goal from Riverside's Chelsea Harrod only to be followed by a goal from Long Beach City's Ali Zell, tying the game again at 4-4. Riverside, however, got a late goal, taking a 5-4 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, Riverside began to pull away, scoring a goal on its first possession of the half and finishing with four third-period goals. Riverside spent the final period playing defense, allowing the Vikings just one goal in the final three minutes.

Since taking over the women's program eight years ago, Coach Almquist and his staff are 248-21 with three state titles.

Named to the all-tournament team were: Clark, MVP, Katie Teets and Chelsea Harrod.