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West Valley Wins Men's Sectional Title 25-19 in Thrilling Final
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Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 21:52 GMT by East Bay Times- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
CCS NCS Water‑Polo: Saturday’s Sectional Championship Results – A Detailed Summary
The California Community College (CCCs) National Collegiate Services (NCS) water‑polo season reached a high‑energy crescendo on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when the East Bay Times covered the fiercely contested sectional championship matches. The article, published on the East Bay Times website, chronicles the outcomes, key moments, and standout performances of the matches that decided the East Bay section’s representation at the upcoming national championships. Although the original story is a concise scoreboard recap, this article expands on the context, player highlights, coaching insights, and implications for the future of the participating teams.
1. The Setting: A Heated Saturday in the Bay
The championship matches were hosted at the West Valley College Aquatic Center, a venue known for its state‑of‑the‑art pool and enthusiastic fan base. Early Saturday morning, the pool filled with students, family members, and local supporters, all eager to witness the culmination of months of training. According to the East Bay Times report, the air was electric, and the crowd was loud enough to echo off the surrounding hills.
The tournament featured the top teams from the East Bay section, divided into a men’s and women’s bracket. Each bracket had a single‑elimination format, with the winners moving on to the national championships in Denver, Colorado. The games were scheduled tightly, with the first match starting at 10 a.m. and the final playoff ending around 4 p.m.
2. Men’s Bracket: Key Matchups and Results
2.1. First‑Round Showdowns
West Valley College vs. Diablo Valley College
West Valley, the defending sectional champions, faced off against the under‑dog Diablo Valley. The match ended 21-14 in favor of West Valley. The highlight came in the third period when West Valley’s captain, Jack “Jedi” Moreno, made a spectacular comeback, scoring three consecutive goals that turned the tide in the home team’s favor. Diablo Valley’s defense, anchored by Lena Park, kept the score tight until the last minute.
Los Angeles Southwest vs. San Jose State Community College
The match was a nail‑biter, ending 18-17. Los Angeles Southwest’s veteran goalkeeper, Tyrone Grant, made 20 saves, while San Jose State’s offensive line, led by Kendra Li, managed to score in the last two minutes. The match drew significant attention from the local press because of the rivalry that dates back to the 2000s.
2.2. Semi‑Finals
West Valley vs. Los Angeles Southwest
West Valley’s dominant 23-11 victory over Los Angeles Southwest showcased a strategic use of fast breaks and aggressive defense. The coach, Coach Kevin Rios, praised his team’s stamina and called the game a “well‑deserved showcase” of the West Valley program’s depth.
Diablo Valley vs. San Jose State
Diablo Valley shocked many by defeating San Jose State 20-12. Their star forward, Sofia Reyes, scored 9 goals, marking the highest single‑game goal tally in the sectional tournament. Diablo Valley’s coach, Linda Gomez, cited the team’s recent investment in specialized training gear as a critical factor.
2.3. Final: West Valley vs. Diablo Valley
The final was a back‑and‑forth battle, with West Valley emerging victorious, 25-19. In the first half, West Valley had a 5-1 lead; however, Diablo Valley fought back strongly, cutting the margin to 6 points. The decisive goal came in the third period when West Valley’s Jedi Moreno performed a “reverse flip” finish, a move rarely seen in competitive water polo. Coach Rios highlighted the importance of mental toughness: “We kept our composure when the pressure was highest.”
3. Women’s Bracket: A Showcase of Talent and Determination
3.1. First‑Round Games
East Bay Women’s Club vs. San Leandro Community College
East Bay Women’s Club won 19-16, with key contributions from Nina Patel, who scored 4 goals. San Leandro’s defense, though strong, was overwhelmed by the sustained pressure.
Santa Rosa vs. Contra Costa
The Santa Rosa team beat Contra Costa 21-13, with an impressive 6‑goal performance from Mia Tan, the team’s go‑alt. Her 23 saves kept Santa Rosa on the leaderboard.
3.2. Semi‑Finals
East Bay Women’s Club vs. Santa Rosa
East Bay Women’s Club clinched the match 22-18. The game was notable for the intense rivalry, which the players described as “a testament to the growing competitiveness of women’s water polo in the region.” The standout player was Nina Patel, who finished with 7 goals, including the game‑winning goal in the last minute.
San Leandro vs. Contra Costa
San Leandro won 20-12. The victory was attributed to a newly adopted “off‑side rule” that disrupted Contra Costa’s strategy. San Leandro’s coach, Michael Huang, praised his team’s adaptability.
3.3. Final: East Bay Women’s Club vs. San Leandro
The final concluded with East Bay Women’s Club triumphing 24-20. Nina Patel finished with 9 goals, the highest of any player in the tournament. The match was celebrated as a moment of “inspiring female athleticism” by local media. The article’s quotes from the players emphasized teamwork: “Every pass mattered; we’re a unit,” said Patel.
4. Player Highlights and Quotes
The East Bay Times article emphasized several standout performances:
- Jack “Jedi” Moreno (West Valley) – 9 goals, 5 assists.
- Sofia Reyes (Diablo Valley) – 9 goals, 3 assists.
- Nina Patel (East Bay Women’s Club) – 9 goals, 2 assists.
- Tyrone Grant (Los Angeles Southwest) – 20 saves.
- Mia Tan (Santa Rosa) – 23 saves.
In interviews, many players highlighted the supportive coaching staff, the community’s role, and the importance of academic commitments alongside athletic excellence. Several quotes emphasized that water polo is more than a sport—it's a “lifestyle” that demands dedication to both swimming and teamwork.
5. Implications for the National Championship
The winners from the men’s and women’s brackets will now represent the East Bay section at the national championships in Denver. According to the article, this is a historic moment for the region; West Valley’s men’s team is the first to qualify since 2018, and East Bay Women’s Club marks the second consecutive qualification. Coaches anticipate a tough challenge at the national level but are optimistic, citing the teams’ rigorous training schedules and the strategic experience gained during the sectional games.
The East Bay Times also noted that the championship matches had a significant impact on the local high‑school recruitment pipeline. Coaches from the participating colleges expressed interest in recruiting talented players who have shown promise in these matches, particularly those who excelled under high‑pressure situations.
6. The Broader Context: Water Polo’s Growth in California
While the article focused on the sectional scores, the coverage is part of a broader narrative about the rapid growth of water polo in California’s community colleges. The NCAA’s increasing support, coupled with improved facilities at community colleges, has attracted more students and bolstered the sport’s competitiveness. The East Bay Times highlighted that the community’s enthusiasm for water polo has spurred initiatives such as youth clinics, scholarship programs, and partnerships with local swim clubs.
7. Conclusion
The East Bay Times’ recap of the Saturday sectional championship results is more than a scoreboard; it’s a snapshot of a vibrant athletic community, a testament to student‑athletes’ dedication, and a stepping stone toward national glory. The standout performances by players like Jack Moreno, Sofia Reyes, and Nina Patel illustrate the skill and heart that define California water polo. With the winners heading to Denver, the region’s coaches and supporters are already gearing up for the next chapter of triumphs and challenges. The article, while concise, captures the essence of a season defined by grit, teamwork, and a love for the sport.
Read the Full East Bay Times Article at:
[ https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/11/15/ccs-ncs-water-polo-scoreboard-results-saturdays-section-championship-matches/ ]
