CHULA VISTA, CA (11/9/2024) -- Grossmont College's victory marked a powerful comeback story as they dethroned Palomar College, the reigning conference champions, in a closely contested final. The game started with Palomar gaining an early lead, as Cody Poure and Caleb Hogle worked together to push the score to 3-0. However, Grossmont quickly responded with a goal by Lucas Draper, followed by back-to-back scores from Jake Simpson, who would ultimately finish as the game's top scorer with four goals. Miles Boone's impressive offensive skill kept Grossmont competitive, adding two goals in the first half to keep the score tight.
As the game entered the final quarter, Grossmont's defense tightened, fueled by goalkeeper Esequiel Antunez's saves and the defensive support of Raul Rico and Lucas Draper. The tide turned in the fourth quarter with Xylen Rotsart, who scored twice, including a game-securing, unassisted shot that brought Grossmont's final tally to 12 points. Rotsart's late-game heroics, and a well-executed assist from Jeffrey Roth underscored Grossmont's ability to perform under pressure, proving key in overcoming Palomar's formidable defense.
In the battle for third place, San Diego Mesa College's high-powered offense made a decisive impact. Santiago Gonzalez delivered a standout performance with five goals and four assists, while Barrett Satre consistently pressured Southwestern's defense with four goals. Despite a strong five-goal effort from Southwestern's Sebastian Cadena, Mesa's resilience and Gonzalez's playmaking pushed them ahead to secure third place with a 14-12 win.
Capping off an unforgettable season, Xylen Rotsart of Grossmont College and Sebastian Cadena of Southwestern College were named Co-Players of the Year for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament and the season. Rotsart's clutch scoring and leadership on both ends of the pool were instrumental in Grossmont's championship run, while Cadena's powerful offensive display, including a five-goal effort in the third-place match, underscored his value and skill. Both players embodied the talent and tenacity that defined this year's competition, and their recognition is well-deserved as they take their places among the top athletes in PCAC men's water polo.
Grossmont College's head coach, Tyrent Lackey, was also honored as Coach of the Year, a testament to his leadership and strategic prowess that guided the Griffins to their championship victory. Under Lackey's direction, Grossmont overcame tough competition and delivered an inspired performance that ended Palomar's reign.
With this momentum, Grossmont now advances to the 3C2A SoCal Regional as the No. 9 seed. They will face No. 8 Cypress College on Thursday, November 14, at Orange Coast College. This next challenge offers Grossmont an exciting opportunity to carry their success onto a larger stage, where they'll look to build on their conference championship and continue their impressive season.