Paladin

Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Michael Brown [Click to enlarge]

The LBCC Viking men's water polo team placed seventh overall in the state last year which was a mediocre season by its standards.

The Vikes finished 22-10, falling short in the championship, which didn't live up to its outstanding back-to-back titles in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Key players such as Brian Matingly, Djoko Radunovic and goalie George Alberson will not be easy to replace.

When asked about last year and this year's expectations for the men's water polo team, coach Chris Oeding said, "Last year was an off year and we expect to have a season similar to the championship seasons in 2005 and 2006."

With only three returning players from last year, including high scorer Harrison Dwelley, a sophomore from Carlsbad who led the team with 45 goals, there are a lot of new faces in the pool, which has Oeding expecting great things from the roster.

With all the new faces come some challenges.

Driver, Jeffery Volosin, a freshman from El Segundo, said, "We are just getting to know how to play together, which makes room for improvement before the season starts."

There also is strength these new players bring to the pool. Freshman Tyler Trute, from Los Alamitos, said, "We have a lot of speed which helps make the team better."

When asked about potential shinning stars this season, Oeding was excited about the possibilities.

He said, "There is no way to say who will do great things until after this weekend's games."

The Vikings are scheduled to compete in its first regular season game this weekend on the road against Ventura on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m.

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