The tsunami that is the West Valley men's water polo team rolled through the competition at the Merced Aquatics Center Saturday to capture its 33rd-straight Coast Conference championship. Coach Willo Rodriguez's Vikings stormed past Cabrillo College 21-4 in the tournament semifinal and Merced 23-4 in the championship game. Next up for West Valley is a visit to College of Marin November 10-11 for the 3C2A NorCal Championships and a shot at the 3C2A State Championship tournament November 16-18 at College of Marin. 

"In the northern bracket, the West Valley College Vikings earn the top seed after reigning supreme in the Coast Conference Championships. They are currently riding a seven-game winning streak as they are both the top-seeded squad and the hottest team in the pool in their region. In the championships, they score 16 or more goals in all four games, capped by a dominating 23-4 victory over Merced to seal the deal. 

West Valley led the state with 527 goals scored, just under 50 goals better than Mt. San Antonio (480). They also boast a state-best 17.57 scores per game with a 63 percent conversion rate. Leading the way is freshman Berkecan Yalcin, who surpassed the century mark in goals with 111. He also has tallied 55 assists, 24 steals, and 25 drawn ejections. Freshman Phil Portish follows with 77 goals, 64 steals, 44 assists, and 11 drawn ejections. Freshman Ethan Ivey has recorded 20 of the team's wins between the pipes leading to 168 saves."

Release by Nicho DellaValle, 3CWPCA SID

Next for West Valley is a visit to Marin November 10-11 for the 3C2A NorCal Championships and a shot at the 3C2A State Championship tournament November 16-18, also at College of Marin. The Vikings are the #1 NorCal seed and will face the winner of Friday's game between #4 Modesto (16-14) and #5 Diablo Valley (10-17) on Saturday at 8:00 am

All-Coast Conference Team

Berkecan Yalcin, was selected by the Coast coaches as the 2023 Coast Most Valuable Player. WVC coach Willo Rodriguez was named the Coast Coach of the Year. Joining Yalcin on the All-Coast Conference 1st Team were: Phil Potisch, Ethan Ivey, Terrance O'Donnell. All- Coast 2nd team selections were: Sy Lazzaroni, Ethan McLeod, Mateja Cetkovic. All-Coast Honorable Mention honors: Shayan Rezvani, Nathan Arakawa, Taine Pickering, 

Northern California 

#1 – West Valley (26-3)

#2 – American River (15-7)

#3 – Sierra (13-12)

#4 – Modesto (16-14)

#5 – Diablo Valley (10-17)

#6 – San Joaquin Delta (18-11) 

Information about the 3C2A NorCal tournament can be found here: https://cccaa.prestosports.com/sports/wwaterpolo/Championships