The West Valley women's water polo team gave up a goal to Cuesta less than a minute into the game and were treading water with a 3-2 lead at the end of the first. After a spirited talk from coach Erika Vargas between quarters, it was all Vikings from there as they outscored the Cougars 15-4 the rest of the way to swamp the Cougars 18-6 Saturday at the West Valley Aquatics center.

The victory in the 2021 season finale ensured an unbeaten 4-0 campaign and an overall mark of 74-21 in four years under Vargas. The rout of the Cougars came as the result of another big outing from WVC's Big Three: drivers Nadja Novakovic, Johanna Scheer and goalkeeper Grace Smith.

Novakovic wrapped up a stellar career at West Valley - she has signed to play at Long Beach State - with six goals, including four in a second quarter in which West Valley outscored Cuesta 8-2. First-year standout Scheer led all scorers with nine goals and an unofficial six assists, while freshman keeper Smith was spectacular again with 17 saves. Heather Gray and Marija Mijuskovic each found the back of the net once to round out the Viking scoring. 

In addition to Novakovic, Asya Cardenas-Miranda, Gray, Maria Higginbotham and Isabella Ruzsa played their final game in the orange and navy.