News Summary
The Orange Coast College women’s water polo team participated in a non-conference tournament, achieving a win against Saddleback College and a loss to Long Beach City College. The team showcased strong performance and resilience despite the mixed results, with standout players contributing to their games. Coach Matulis praised the dedication of the players as they look forward to refining their strategies moving ahead in the season.
Orange Coast College Women’s Water Polo Team Competes in Non-Conference Tournament
Orange Coast College, CA – The Orange Coast College (OCC) women’s water polo team participated in a non-conference tournament on September 12, 2025, at the Aquatics Center, achieving a mixed outcome. The team began the day by defeating Saddleback College 14-4, but later fell to Long Beach City College with a narrow score of 17-15.
Strong Start Against Saddleback
In the opening match against Saddleback College, OCC showcased a strong performance, dominating the game and securing a comfortable victory. The standout player was Hayden Clark, who scored 3 goals, significantly contributing to the team’s success. Additionally, goalkeeper Savannah Pena excelled in her defensive role, making 8 crucial goal blocks that helped limit Saddleback’s scoring opportunities.
The team effort was evident, with every player finding the net at least once during the triumph over Saddleback. This victory marked an encouraging moment for the team, as it displayed their potential in the early stages of the season. Coach Matulis acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the players, highlighting their collaborative spirit throughout the game.
A Tough Loss to Long Beach City
Following their win, the OCC women’s water polo team faced a more challenging opponent in Long Beach City College. The match was highly competitive, characterized by a fast-paced exchange of goals. Both teams struggled to gain a substantial lead, with the score remaining close throughout the game.
Foul calls were frequent in this match, resulting in several free throws for both teams. Despite the fervent battle, OCC ultimately fell short against Long Beach, losing with a final score of 17-15. The game’s intensity and back-and-forth scoring illustrated the resilience of the players, but a few missteps in defense proved to be costly for OCC.
Current Season Overview
With these two matches, the current record for the Orange Coast College women’s water polo team stands at 3 wins and 3 losses. Following the tournament, the team is experiencing a one-game losing streak, but there remains significant optimism about their performance. The season has showcased a mix of competitive matches and moments of brilliance, laying a foundation for future games.
Looking Ahead
The OCC women’s water polo team aims to build on their strengths and address areas for improvement as they head into the remainder of their season. With a balance of offensive capabilities, as demonstrated against Saddleback, and lessons learned from their defeat to Long Beach, the team is determined to capitalize on their progress and enhance their competitive edge.
As the season evolves, the players and coaching staff will focus on refining their strategies, ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. With a commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement, the Orange Coast College women’s water polo team looks forward to future opportunities to excel in the pool.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Newport Harbor Girls Water Polo
- El Camino College: Women’s Water Polo Dominates
- Cal State Fullerton: Men’s Water Polo Adds New Athletes
- Wikipedia: Water Polo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Polo
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
