West Valley Dominates Northern Regional Championships
The West Valley College Vikings claim a dual regional championship and will represent the top seed on both sides for the upcoming CCCAA State Championships this weekend. Sierra claims the second seed on the men’s side, while San Joaquin Delta will represent the second seed on the women’s side.
The West Valley College Vikings claimed a dual regional championship and will represent the top seed on both sides for the upcoming CCCAA State Championships this weekend. Sierra claims the second seed on the men's side, while San Joaquin Delta will represent the second seed on the women's side.
MEN
It was a dominant showing for the Vikings as they continue to act as an unmatched powerhouse in the North. They reached the regional championship with ease after cruising through Las Positas, 20-1, and Sierra, 28-9.
The Vikings jumped out to a three goal lead with Eric Ellison firing home two of the Viking's five first period goals. They turned on the gas in the second quarter as they hummed home nine scores and jumped out to a 14-6 advantage. Ante Buzov scored four goals in the second melee.
Buzov led the team with eight goals leading to the 28-9 win, while Lucas Romaguera followed with five goals. Three other players scored four goals while seven players scored at least one goal.
Kai Seed earned his 20th win after hauling in nine saves.
West Valley's offense fired off 37 shots and were very efficient with their opportunities as they converted nearly 75 percent of their shots.
WOMEN
The Vikings faced off against some challenging competition to reach the regional championship game with the highlighted showdown coming in the semifinal round against fourth-seeded Sierra.
West Valley trailed by one goal entering into the second period, but they came to life by outscoring Sierra 5-1. Alex Harris hummed home two of the Viking's scores, while Paige McCroskey, Kianna Melvin and Aaliyah Lax each chipped in one goal.
It was a quiet second half, but goalkeeper Grace Smith protected the cage by allowing just one second half goal leading to the win. She earned her 14th win and 10 saves.
The championship game was all West Valley after they routed second-seeded San Joaquin Delta, 14-2, leading to their third-consecutive Northern Regional Championship. It was a 2021 grudge match game for Delta, but they fell victim to the Vikings for the second-consecutive year in the regional championship game.
Johanna Scheer, Melvin and Harris each scored two goals, while Melvin added five steals. Smith added a tournament-high 17 saves as well.