Women's Water Polo State Champions!
Golden West's 2013 Women's Water Polo team defended their state title, bringing down Riverside City College 12-11 for the Championship.
Riverside, Calif. - Golden West's 2013 Women's Water Polo team defended their state title, bringing down Riverside City College 12-11 for the Championship. The Rustles finish their undefeated season with a back-to-back triple crown, winning the OEC Conference, Regional and State Championships.
Golden West held a relentless Riverside all season, and the championship match-up was the best the Tigers have done all year against the Rustlers. The first quarter started slow, with the teams exchanging possession, taking their time to score. Riverside found the back of the net first, but a quick response by Melissa Bergesen put the score 1-1, and with seconds left, Gabi Mantellato netted another goal for the Rustlers and a 2-1 lead.
The Rustlers picked up their offensive stride and scored three goals in the second. A pass from Bergesen to Lauren Vosseler at the 2 meter gave the State MVP the chance to score. Mantellato would score next with a backhand ball, along with Alexandria Loveless for a point before the end of the half.
Tireless, the Tigers clawed their way back in the game narrowing the Rustlers' lead to one. Another score from Montellato, and a point by Brigitta Games finished the quarter 7-5.
Starting the final period, Games scored early, edging away from Riverside. Vosseler, stole the ball and broke away from the pack scoring on a counter attack. Vossleer stuck again moments later from 6 meters with a high corner cross cage shot. Riverside, down but not out, would respond with goals of their own to pull within one. Mantellato got the best of the Tigers with a backhand shot putting the score at 11-9 with 1:56 left to play. Riverside gave it all they had, but Golden West would not be stopped Vosseler scored the final goal of the game, sealing the Championship for the Rustlers.
Congratulations the Rustlers Lauren Vosseler (State MVP), Gabi Mantellato , and Melissa Bergesen, and the women of the 2013 Water Polo State Championship All-Tournament Team.
