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Published on 11/27/1995 All articles from this issue

Water Polo

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By Craig Wentz

Special to the Town Crier

The Mountain View water polo team has time now to reflect on last Saturday's Central Coast Section Division II championship, and play "if" ball.

What "if" we scored a goal in the fourth quarter? What "if" we didn't turn the ball over twice in the final minute?

The Spartans (29-6), trying to duplicate last year's CCS title, didn't capitalize on the little things and it cost them dearly in its 11-10 loss to Gunn at West Valley College.

Gunn avenged last season's championship loss by executing when it had to, while Mountain View did not.

A tight contest throughout, the Spartans held a 10-8 lead after three quarters and had the momentum heading into the final period.

But the Spartans were shut out in the quarter, while Gunn tallied three goals in the span of 3:47 to squeak out the victory.

Mountain View's Matt Stone, arguably the finest player in the section, was at times double- and triple-teamed and held to just 4 of 12 shooting (33 percent). Stone scored 130 goals this season.

Gunn tied the game at 10-10 on a goal by Brad Lefkowits with 1:47 left and grabbed the lead on a penalty goal courtesy of Ross Mecham with 1:07 remaining.

The Spartans had two opportunities to tie the contest, but turned the ball over both times, the final giveaway with 16 seconds left.

"They (Gunn) wanted it a little more than we did," said Spartan Coach Steve McCoy. "The little things hurt us, like turning the ball over in our last four possessions."

Soro Salerno led the Spartans with five goals. Mountain View shot just 30 percent (10 for 30), while Gunn connected on 11 of 27 attempts (41 percent).

Gunn......................3 3 2 3 - 11

MV.........................3 3 4 0 - 10

G - Mecham 3, Sikic 3, Lefkowits 2, McCalley, Swinehart, Cannon

MV - Salerno 5, Stone 4, Boggs.