By Matt Schwab

The Las Positas College men's water polo team earned a big win over visiting Ohlone, 16-12, on Oct. 16, which moved the Hawks into a tie for second place in the Coast Conference.
Even though the Hawks (8-12, 3-2) fell to Cabrillo 21-16 on Oct. 23, they finished conference play tied for second with Ohlone (7-5, 3-2) and Cabrillo (3-17-1, 3-2).
Las Positas rallied past Ohlone after trailing 7-4 at the midway point.

"The Ohlone win was fantastic," LPC assistant coach Jason Craighead said. "LPC started off really slow and Ohlone came out shooting lights out. Adjustments were made at halftime, and with a huge momentum swing we were able to outscore Ohlone 7-1 in the 3rd quarter."

Craighead credited "defensive stops and outstanding goalie play" as keys to the third-quarter surge, which allowed the Hawks to push the pace and get the counter attack going.
"In addition, unselfish team play got everyone involved offensively in the second half." Craighead said. "Vincent Vandersall had an outstanding game, leading the surge and counterattack in the 3rd and 4th quarters with relentless energy, paying homage to his distance swimming roots. It was a huge win."

The Hawks are hosting the top site for the NorCal Crossover tournament on Nov. 1. Here is the schedule: LPC vs. Sierra at 10 a.m.; West Valley vs. American River, 11:20 a.m.; West Valley vs. Sierra, 1:20 p.m.; and LPC vs. American, River 2:40 p.m.Las Positas is hosting the Coast Conference Championships Nov. 8-9.  Seedings and game times will be posted Monday, Nov. 4.

The Hawks will have to wait until the final nonconference games are played to determine the tiebreaker for seeding the Conference tournament.

Finally, Las Positas is hosting NorCal Regional Playoffs Nov. 15-16. The top 6 men's teams and top 8 women's teams will play for a spot at the State Championships at Long Beach City Nov. 22-23. The top 4 men's and top 4 women's teams will advance to the State Championships.