Palomar downs Mesa, Grossmont to win PCAC title

SAN DIEGO (11-03-2017) (11-04-2017) (11-7-2017)-- Palomar defeated San Diego Mesa 14-5 on Friday and Grossmont 8-6 in the championship game Saturday at the San Diego Miramar pool to win the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference men's water polo tournament and, with it, the 2017 PCAC championship.

The Comets will open play in the three-day Southern California Regionals on Thursday against Cuesta at Los Angeles Valley College at 10:15 a.m.

Friday: Palomar 14, SD Mesa 5

Led by Ryan Rhoads' five goals, Palomar defeated San Diego Mesa 14-5 on Friday at San Diego Miramar College to advance to Saturday's championship game in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference men's water polo tournament.

Saturday's game will determine the conference championship.

Ryan Rhoads scored 5 goals and also had 3 steals for the Comets in the tournament's semifinal game victory. Bryce Van Camp scored 3 goals, Jake Huggins 2 goals, Terrin Davis 2 goals and Dylan Van Horn and Josh Benitez, 1 goal each.

Toby Fast, Van Horn, Benitiz, Jack Dyer and John Adam Pearce each contributed 2 assists.

Tommy Preston recorded 7 saves in goal for Palomar. The Comets' other goalie, Mike Mendola, had 4 saves.

Saturday Championship Game: Palomar 8, Grossmont 6

The Comets were led to the PCAC title by Van Horn (2 goals, both in the first quarter, and 3 assists) and goalie Tommy Preston (16 saves, 2 steals). Davis, Fast, Benitez, Rhoads and Matt Brennan each added a goal. 

Fast, Benitiz and Davis contributed as assist apiece.