MJC women's water polo fifth at state

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- An incredible season ended at the state championships Friday for the Modesto Junior College women's water polo team.

The Pirates finished in a fifth-place tie after losses to Long Beach, 10-4, and Sierra, 7-4. Long Beach, which won the state title in 2006, will play Golden West today at noon for the championship.

Long Beach defeated Sierra on Thursday, 5-3, to set up Friday's qualifying match with Modesto. After playing to a 2-2 tie in the first period, the Pirates were unable to score in the second or third periods. Meanwhile, the Vikings took an insurmountable 8-2 lead.

In the afternoon game, Sierra scored five goals in the second period to distance itself from Modesto, 7-3.

Meghan Devlin scored twice in each game. Goalie Kashi Tomicich had nine saves against Long Beach and eight against Sierra. Modesto had defeated Sierra 9-8 on Oct. 7.

The Pirates (18-5) made it to the state tournament for the first time in 10 years. They finished third at the Northern California Community College Championships and at one point, won 17 consecutive games this season.

"It was a great year," coach Eric Fischer said. "I'm very proud of the girls."

Golden West and Long Beach will also play for the men's championship at 1:30 p.m.