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Golden
West College holds off West Valley College for 2002 California Community Colleges
Men's Water Polo Championship
by Chris Ruiz, LBCC Sports Information
Director
 State
tournament most valuable player Brett McClain definitely earned his award in
the championship title game.
McClain made two big saves
with less than 2:30 remaining in the game as Golden West defeated West Valley
6-5 to capture the 2002 California Community Colleges Commission on Athletics
Men's Water Polo Championship.
McClain made just six saves
in the game, but his final two will be the ones remembered. McClain stopped
a 4-meter shot and turned back West Valley on a breakaway with just under 30
seconds left in the contest.
"He saved us in the
end and made some huge blocks," said first-year Golden West head coach
Scott Taylor. "He and the rest of the guys never quit. I'm just really
proud of all my players for what they did tonight and for putting in the effort
all season."
It appeared the game would
be a Golden West blowout early on, as the Rustlers carried a 4-1 lead after
the first period.
West Valley played a good
defensive game and held tournament goals leader Brett McCleave scoreless in
the game. But Bogdan Petrovic and Ryan Bell both chipped in with two goals to
give the Rustlers the offense they needed.
Golden West wins its California-record
18th state championship. For Taylor, it's his first as a coach, but as a player
he also, won two championships with the Rustlers in 1989 and 1990.
Golden West closes the year
33-2, while West Valley takes home runner up honors and ends the year with a
28-4 record.
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