Monarch Water Polo blasts its way into playoffs

Valley College will face the Santa Monica Corsairs in the first round at Cuesta College

By Kevin Khachatryan, Staff Writer

Sophomore Sahak Abrahamyan aims for a shot against the Ventura Pirates on Wednesday during their last conference match up winning 25-2. ( Ash Shafa | Valley Star )

Combining for a total of 44 goals over a two-game span, the Valley College water polo team blew out both of their opponents last week.

Winning by the scores of 25-2 and 19-6, Valley is now ranked 4th overall in conference. The Monarchs looked to make a statement prior to entering the playoffs.

Hosting their final game of the regular season on Friday, the Monarchs (18-7) scored 10 straight goals to lead the game 10-0 in the second quarter against Rio Hondo College. The Monarchs scorched the Roadrunners by more than a dozen, winning the contest 19-6.

Sophomore Sako Kaputikyan led the offense for the Monarchs in Friday’s first half, by netting four goals, dishing out two assists and collecting one steal. Sophomore Also in the first half, Hakop Ansuryan threw in two straight goals and assisted on three other goals. Sophomore Levon Harutyunyan scored the last two goals for Valley, and helped with three steals in the game.

The Roadrunners managed six goals in the contest, and the game was never close. Coach Jim McMilian said his team is hitting its stride.

“It’s what I’m expecting,” said McMilan. “All I can ask is for them is to give each other and the school their best efforts to see where we can go as a team together.”

On Wednesday, Valley faced the Ventura College Pirates in their last conference matchup. The Monarchs outscored the Pirates 16-0 in the first half, picking up their final win in conference play 25-2.

Sophomores Sako Kaputikyan, Erik Sarkissian and Ethan Francis steered the first half of the game for Valley. Sarkissian accounted for three goals in the first half. Kaputikyan scored three straight goals late in the first quarter to go along with three assists and five steals. Francis scored two goals in the second quarter and wrapped the game scoring two more goals in the second half, scoring four goals with three steals.

Valley’s defense sank the Pirates offense as they allowed only two goals in the game. Late in the third quarter, sophomore Joe Lowry scored the only goal for the Pirates. Monarch freshman goalkeeper Ethan McHorney was active on the defensive side of the ball as he saved five shots in the contest, and the team combined to save a total of eleven shots for the game.

“Just good effort and team defense,” said McMillan. “Everybody doing their job and making sure you do your job correctly.”

The Monarchs start Western State Conference players on Saturday when they square off against Santa Monica College at Cuesta College. The match starts at 1:30 p.m.