Vikings ride Fleming penalty shot to win over Ohlone in Coast opener

Ben Fleming fires the game-winning penalty shot against Ohlone
Ben Fleming fires the game-winning penalty shot against Ohlone

Ben Fleming ripped a penalty shot into the corner of the cage with eight seconds left to help the West Valley men's water polo team overcome Ohlone 9-8 in Wednesday's Coast Conference opener in Saratoga. Just moments before, Viking keeper Xavier Casabella stopped a five-meter penalty shot by Ohlone's Jeff Jones. Fleming's conversion (pictured) was his third goal of the contest and first since he found the back of the net twice in the opening quarter. The Vikings grabbed a 4-3 lead after one period, but goals from Matt Mendez and Nathan Clark gave the Renegades a 5-4 lead at halftime. WVC had an 8-7 lead after three, but a Shane Herup goal tied it at 8-8 late in the fourth. Miguel Navarro had three goals and Jack Carlson score twice for the Vikings (3-4, 1-0 Coast). Mendez led the Renegades (4-7, 0-1) with three goals. WVC heads to San Luis Obispo for the prestigious Cuesta College Invitational Friday and Saturday (9/27-28).