FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS : McKessy Scores 11th Goal With a Second Left to Beat Mt. SAC

Mike McKessy, a sophomore wing on the Valley College water polo team, scored 11 goals, including the game-winner with one second left, to lead the Monarchs to a 21-20 nonconference victory over Mt. San Antonio College.

“Everyone was jumping all over me,” he said. “We were in a part of the pool where it was about seven feet deep and I’m only 6 foot 1. I thought I was going to drown.”

Despite never having played organized water polo, McKessy tried out for the team last season and made it as “the 15th man on a 15-man roster.”

This season, however, he is a little higher on the team’s depth chart.

“He’s made an incredible improvement since last year,” Coach Bill Krauss said. “He’s really learned the game. Mike has always had a strong arm, but now he’s learning when and where to shoot.”

And he rarely misses.

McKessy, who tied teammate Mike Hurst for the scoring title in the Ventura Tournament last week with seven goals, missed only two of 13 shots on Wednesday and scored twice in the second overtime.

COLLEGE SOCCER

LaVerne def. Master’s, 2-1--Midfielder Rolf Scherer scored Master’s only goal in the 25th minute of the second half. LaVerne outshot Master’s, 19-15.

Master’s is 3-3 overall and 1-1 in NAIA District III competition.

BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY

Crespi def. St. Francis 28-29--Crespi was led by Sean Huckaby, who finished first in 16:38, and Bryan McCanna, who finished third in 16:57.

David Beaudet of St. Francis was second in 16:47.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Marymount def. Burroughs 15-11, 15-6, 15-9--Senior middle blocker Mary Ann Wagner had 10 kills and four blocks for Burroughs in a nonleague match at Marymount.