Monarchs plunge into playoffs

The Monarchs offense dives for a dominant 19-6 win.

By Kevin Khachatryan, Staff Writer

Valley College men’s water polo hosted their final game of the season where they remained undefeated in their home pool (6-0) after standing victorious against Rio Hondo College.

Hosting their final game of the regular season on Friday, the Monarchs (18-7) scored ten straight goals to lead the game 10-0 in the second quarter against the Roadrunners (9-17). The Monarchs outscored the Roadrunners by more than a dozen, winning their final game of the season 19-6.

“Give it our best to win two games, “ said head coach Jim McMilan. “We got a game on Friday and if we win that, we’ll play for the conference championship game on Saturday and see what happens from there.”

Sophomore Sako Kaputikyan led the offense for the Monarchs scoring four goals in the first half and finished with two assists and a steal in the match, while sophomore Hakop Ansuryan accounted for two straight goals in the first quarter and three assists in the contest. Sophomore Levon Harutyunyan wrapped up the game scoring the last two goals for Valley in the fourth quarter with three steals to seal the game.

Valley’s defense and playmaking effort against the Roadrunners helped power the Monarchs as the home team accounted for a total of 15 assists and 24 steals.

The Roadrunners only managed to score six goals to end the match with just two shots that went inside the net at the end of the first half. Turning the ball over a dozen times and struggling offensively helped the Monarchs to recover and dominate Rio Hondo.

Head coach Jim McMilan expects his team to continue their high powered offense and defense against tougher competition deep into the playoffs.

“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.”

The Monarchs will play their first Cuesta WSC Championship game against No.3 Santa Monica College at home on Nov. 4 at 1:30 p.m.