MVP Souza tops 3C2A Men’s All-State Tournament team

Leading the charge was sophomore goalkeeper Pablo Souza, whose stellar performances earned him the tournament's Most Valuable Player honor, as announced by the California Community College Water Polo Coaches Association.

Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Souza proved to be the backbone of the Rustlers' championship run. He tallied an impressive 24 saves across the tournament, including eight critical stops in the championship match against West Valley and 15 saves in a decisive semifinal win over Long Beach City College. Souza also showcased his defensive versatility with five steals during the tournament.

Adding to the accolades, Golden West head coach Scott Taylor was named Coach of the Year, a fitting recognition for leading his squad to their eighth consecutive title.

The Rustlers also headlined the All-State Tournament Team selections, with two players earning First Team honors:

All-State Tournament First Team

• Ethan Carrington (SO) – Golden West
• Michael Rodgers (FR) – Golden West
• Phil Portisch (SO) – West Valley
• William McKeon (FR) – West Valley
• Sandro Pueyo (SO) – Long Beach City
• Cooper Haddad (FR) – Long Beach City
• Sawyer McCormick (FR) – Orange Coast

All-State Tournament Second Team

• Ethan MacLeod (SO) – West Valley
• Colley Ochoa (SO) – Long Beach City
• Cade Zeilinger (FR) – Orange Coast
• Thomas Colpo (FR) – Diablo Valley
• Christian Perez (SO) – LA Valley
• Chris McCarron (FR) – Sierra
• Mateo Ruano (FR) – American River