The 2017 Western State Conference Men's and Women's Water Polo Championships are set for this week. The first round games kick-off with the higher seeds hosting on Wednesday, while the semi-finals, third place games, and championship contests will be hosted by Citrus College this weekend.
On the women's side Santa Barbara City College has grabbed the #1 seed for the third straight season. The three-time reigning champ is the favorite headed into this weekend after going 24-3 during the regular season, including a 6-0 mark in regular season WSC play. The Vaqueros will have a bye in the opening round and face the winner of Wednesday's match-up between #4 Allan Hancock College and #5 Ventura College on Friday at 2:45 PM.
Citrus College earned the #2 overall seed for the women, after going 14-8 this season and 5-1 in regular season WSC play. The Owls appear to be the top threat to the Vaqueros for the conference crown, as their two previous game against Santa Barbara were just three goal losses, but Citrus has to handle #7 LA Pierce College on Wednesday, and if they get past the Brahmas, the winner of #3 Cuesta College (20-11, 4-2) and #6 LA Valley College (11-12, 2-4). The winner of those two games faces off at Citrus on Friday at 1:30 PM.
On the men's side, three-time defending champ, Los Angeles Valley College (19-6, 4-0) earned the top seed. They'll take on the winner of #4 Ventura College who hosts #5 Santa Monica College on Wednesday afternoon, on Friday at 12:15 PM at Citrus. The winner of that game will go on to take on the winner of #2 Citrus College (21-5, 3-1) and #3 Cuesta College (19-11, 2-2) on Saturday at 1:30 PM.