Long Beach Rallies to Win Saddleback Water Polo Title

Long Beach City College edged Citrus, 11-10, in the championship game of the Saddleback Water Polo Tournament Saturday night at Saddleback College.

Citrus, ranked second in the state, blew a four-goal lead in the fourth quarter when it surrendered seven goals, including three in the final 87 seconds.

Long Beach, ranked third in the state, scored the game-winner with 12 seconds left to play.

Fullerton 11, Saddleback 6--Chris Piersoll scored five goals to lead Fullerton to victory in the consolation championship game. Saddleback took a 3-2 lead in the first quarter before Fullerton countered with six unanswered goals to establish an 8-3 cushion midway through the third quarter.

Fullerton goalkeeper Stuart Fry shut down the Gauchos’ offense, recording 10 saves while holding them to three goals. Greg Petrisevac added three goals for Fullerton.

Rancho Santiago 10, Sierra 7--Johnny Roy racked up five goals for Rancho Santiago in its consolation victory. With the score tied 7-7 midway through the fourth quarter, Rancho Santiago’s Alan Bruns scored what proved to be the game-winner. David Vega added four goals in the victory. Both Vega and Roy each scored a goal in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Saddleback 14, Rancho Santiago 7--Steve Carrera scored four goals to lead host Saddleback in a consolation victory. With the score tied, 4-4, early in the second quarter, Saddleback scored seven unanswered goals to take an 11-4 lead. Johnny Roy had five goals for Rancho Santiago.

Fullerton 13, Sierra 3--Chris Piersoll had four goals to lead Fullerton in a consolation game victory. Fullerton led, 5-3, in the second half before shutting down Sierra’s offense while racking up eight unanswered goals. Greg Petrisevac added three goals for Fullerton.

At the Grossmont women’s water polo tournament:

Golden West 12, San Diego Mesa 7--Lisa Saenz scored six goals in a pool play victory for Golden West (14-10-2). Nadine Akers added three goals for the Rustlers.

Golden West lost to host Grossmont, 7-3, and Merced, 8-7, in other pool play games.