OCC women win twice, go for title Saturday

MISSION VIEJO -- Orange Coast College’s women’s water polo team

handled Santa Ana with ease, then got past Riverside in the

semifinals to qualify for a berth in the Orange Empire Conference

finals against longtime nemesis Golden West Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at

Saddleback College.

The Pirates cruised in Thursday’s opener, jumping to a 16-5

halftime lead en route to a 22-6 win over Santa Ana (0-15). Katherine

Judd and Shayna Kline each scored four goals.

In a 13-10 victory over Riverside (22-9) the Pirates were paced by

Nicole Sonnenfeld (six goals) and Sheri Meyer (four goals). Heather

Deyden had 15 saves as Coast (25-7) sped to a 9-4 lead through three

quarters.

The title game gives OCC a chance to avenge a 9-4 loss to Golden

West Oct. 9, the only loss in two seasons for the Pirates.

“(Golden West) ended up No. 1 in the polls, so I think the

pressure is on them,” said OCC Coach Mike Giles. “We have our work

cut out for us. They have an outstanding team, but they are the top

seed and I think the pressure is really on them.”

Golden West (26-3) had a bye, then punished Fullerton, 13-3.