Informational Graphic By Julio Rodriguez / Staff
By Raul Fontes
Southwestern College’s men’s water polo team almost pulled off one of the biggest college sports upsets of 2023 when it faced the Palomar Comets in the PCAC finals.
Almost.
The Jaguars faded during the third period of an exhausting match in a grueling tournament, losing in the finals 17-10. Coach Jorge Perez said a new era may have begun for the scrappy but long-suffering water polo program.
SC slipped into the tournament with a humble 14-14 season record but caught fire just before it got underway. Ranked fourth, the Jaguars torpedoed all comers until the finale with Palomar.
“We peaked at a great time,” said Perez. “We got close. Maybe next time.”
A slow start did not discourage the Jags. After a dismal 4-9 September, they were 8-4 in October. Their momentum carried into the PCAC Tournament as the team hopped on the back of captain Ethan Hastings, their First Team All-PCAC offensive star. Hastings lit up Palomar with his bazooka right arm, but it was not quite enough.
Carlos Ibarra and Jorge Serano joined Hastings on the First Team All-PCAC.
SC’s water polo women all had three All-PCAC recipients. Adriana Sammartino was named to the First Team. Aryel Austin and Courtney Hutson were Second Team.
