High scoring performances from freshman Max Ayrapetyan and sophomore Niki Matheisen powered the Monarchs 19-6 win against the Panthers.
By Stephen Castaneda, Sports Editor
Valley College men’s water polo ended their four game losing streak after triumph versus Chaffey College.
During their second Western State Conference game of the season, Saturday, the Monarchs (6-6, 1-1 WSC) opened the first quarter with a 8-3 lead against the Panthers (2-5, 0-4 WSC) and never looked back. The Monarchs outscored the Panthers by more than a dozen, picking up their first win in conference play 19-6.
“It’s a great improvement since the start of the season,” said men’s water polo head coach Jim McMillan. “You know, a win is a win and it makes us feel good, but we gotta get ready for tomorrow. We’re just trying to work together as a group and play for our school and not ourselves.”
Freshman Max Ayrapetyan and sophomore Niki Matheisen steered the first half of the game for Valley. Matheisen accounted for four of the five goals in the first quarter and five assists in the match while Ayrapetyan scored three goals in the second quarter. Freshman Erik Sarkissian wrapped up the game in the fourth quarter having scored three goals.
Valley’s defense weathered the Chaffey attack as freshman goalkeeper Daniel Smkovsky saved six shots in the contest. Matheisen was active on the defensive side of the ball as well with five steals.
After this match, Valley is ranked third in the Western State Conference standings under Cuesta and Ventura College.
“We want to make it to the conference championship game,” said McMillan, “One of the main goals for me is to have the kids get good grades, to learn hard work ethic and have a little bit of fun.”
The Monarchs will be back Tuesday at 2 p.m. for their fourth conference game, this time, against Ventura College.