Santa Barbara Women’s Water Polo Earns 2022 State Title

The Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros water polo team has returned to the top of the podium for the first time since 2017 after defeating the Orange Coast College Pirates, 10-7, to claim the 2022 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championship.

It is the second state championship for the Vaqueros in program history after reaching the state championship game last season. After falling to West Valley, 6-5, in last year's state dance, they successfully placed themselves on the winnings ide of the history books with this year's state crown. Furthermore, it the second title under the direction of Head Coach Chuckie Roth.

"The girls worked hard all year and I knew we could be in the top four," said Roth. "But I told them, if they want to be the best of the best, then they need to invest in the process. The girls bought in and I am happy the way the performed all year."

After narrowly falling to the Pirates in the CCCAA Southern Regional Championship, 10-9, just one week ago, the Vaqueros taste sweet revenge by getting up early and not letting up on the gas pedal.

"The emphasis of SoCals was to qualify for the state championships. After we played OCC the first time, we watch a lot of film and had a lot of self reflection. We changed a lot of things we did and the girls were so motivated to win."

The future is bright for Santa Barbara as they have proven to be perennial playoff contenders. 

"We accomplished a great feat. It feels good to wake up and know you are a champion, but we still have to get back to the grind and get better. These girls understand that and practice core values like accountability, self responsibility and kindness."

At no point did Santa Barbara trail as they jumped out to an early 3-0 advantage. Jenna Olsen got things going with the first score, backed by goals from Claire Daland and Gabrielle Muehring.

Orange Coast closed the gap and brought the score to four-all in the middle of the second quarter, but Santa Barbara closed the opening half on a three-score run. Olson added her second goal of the day, backed by scores from Emily Lopez and Muehring.

From then on, both teams traded goals in the final two quarter. Orange Coast could not overcome the early pace set by SBCC leading to the 10-7 win.

Olson led with three goals, while Muehring followed with two scores.

Roth closed the day with a statement about recruiting quality athletes. 

"I try invest in my kids as a person first and then an athlete second. Over time, kids feel that I think I come in every year and make people better people while also making them better water polo players. you need to find a core group of kids that will put the team above themselves. This team's culture is strong."

Release by Nicho DellaValle, CCCWPCA SID