Pirates Punch Ticket to State Championships After Strong Nor-Cal Showing

The Modesto Junior College Men's Water Polo team battled through three tough games at the Nor-Cal Championships this past weekend at Merced College, earning a spot in the upcoming 3C2A State Championships.

 

Seeded fourth entering the tournament, the Pirates opened play against fifth-seeded Diablo Valley College in a critical matchup to determine who would advance to State. MJC rose to the occasion, defeating the Vikings 13–8 behind a standout offensive performance.
Alex Castillo led the scoring with three goals, followed by two-goal efforts from Ben Svoboda, Keanu Laolagi, and Tristian Cervantes. Additional goals came from Holden Puccinelli, Cooper Harris, Mike Rowan, and Nate Selna. Goalkeeper Jack Fischer anchored the defense with 12 saves in the victory.

 

The win sent Modesto into the semifinals against top-seeded West Valley College, where the Pirates fought hard but ultimately fell 6–25.

 

In the third-place match, MJC faced Big 8 Conference rival Sierra College. Despite a balanced and determined offensive effort, the Pirates came up just short in an 11–13 battle, finishing fourth in the Nor-Cal Championship tournament. In the matchup with Sierra, MJC saw two goals each from Cooper Harris, Ben Svoboda, Keanu Laolagi, Mike Rowan, and Owen Curtis, along with a single goal from Alex Castillo. Holden Puccinelli contributed significantly with three assists and three drawn ejections. Fischer again impressed in the cage, tallying 11 saves, two steals, and two assists.

 

With a 21–10 overall record, a third-place finish in the Big 8 Conference, and a top-four ranking in Northern California, the Pirates now head to the 3C2A State Championship Tournament, where they will open play against Golden West College on November 20 at Merced College.

MJC looks to carry their momentum into the State tournament as they continue an outstanding 2025 campaign.