OCC men win conference title

MISSION VIEJO - Orange Coast College’s men’s water polo team rules

the waves of the Orange Empire Conference today following Saturday’s

endeavors at the OEC Finals, hosted by Saddleback College.

The Pirates, under the hand of Coach Chris Oeding, pulled out a 7-6

victory in overtime to deny Riverside.

Jeff Pratt netted the winning edge with a shot with just 0:42 left in

overtime.

The Pirates had a 6-5 lead with just 12 seconds spent in the fourth

quarter on a goal by Jeff Smalley, but 36 seconds later the Tigers

answered in the form of Tommy Merryman’s goal.

Pratt, Smalley and Scott Butler each scored twice for Coast, which is

23-6-2. Riverside fell to 20-11-2.

The Pirates open play in the Southern California Playoffs Wednesday.

In the women’s final the Pirates fell short, 3-1, as Riverside

(28-4-1) upset the Pirates.

It was scoreless through the first half, but Riverside broke through

with three goals by Lisa Moreno, Devorie Witt and Lisa Weise to take a

commanding 3-0 lead in the final period.

Nerissa Reidenbaugh scored for Coast late in the game to avert a

shutout.

The Pirates, ranked No. 2 in the state, fall to 21-6. Riverside, No. 3

in the state, improves to 28-4-1.