Villa Named SCC MVP, Oeding Earns Eighth SCC Coach of the Year

From left to right: Karissa Qualley, Madison Hinoja, Cam Rosas, Alejandra Villa, Sydney Brightenburg, Samantha Martinez, and Harlie Whelan
From left to right: Karissa Qualley, Madison Hinoja, Cam Rosas, Alejandra Villa, Sydney Brightenburg, Samantha Martinez, and Harlie Whelan

After the women's water polo team hauled in their fourth consecutive South Coast Conference (SCC) title this year, it was recently announced that seven players were named to the All-SCC teams. Head coach Chris Oeding was named the SCC Coach of the Year for the third-consecutive year following another undefeated conference showing.

Freshman center Alejandra Villa was announced All-SCC MVP of the 2018 season. Freshman attacker Sydney Brightenburg, sophomore goalkeeper Cam Rosas, freshman driver Samantha Martinez, and freshman attacker Madison Hinojosa were all named to the SCC first-team, while sophomore attacker Harlie Whelan and freshman driver Karissa Qualley were honored with second-team accolades.

Oeding is recognized as the 2018 SCC Coach of the Year for the eighth time following a third-consecutive undefeated conference record. Oeding finishes the women's season 17-11 overall and also an impressive 413-128 career record at Long Beach.

Villa is being recognized for her ability to perform on both offense and defense. She totaled 70 goals throughout the season, as she ranked number four overall in conference goals. She totaled 24 steals altogether.

Brightenburg earns first-team honors as she totaled 65 goals for the season. She was the team's sharp shooter and had a game-high record of six goals against Chaffey College.

Rosas reeled in first-team accolades with her strength as a goalkeeper. She is ranked fourth in the conference with 168 saves. She also topped the conference list with a 59.7 save percentage.

Martinez earns first-team honors as a defender for the Vikings. She was the decision-maker at the top of the perimeter and heled a .85 shooting percentage.

Hinojosa rounded out the first-team honors as she ranked fifth in conference for her 40 assists this season. She brought in 15 goals overall and had 16 steals.

Whelan earns second-team recognition for the second-consecutive year as she tallied 28 goals, 32 assists, and had 38 steals.

Qualley made the second-team list for the first time as a defender. She reeled in 30 goals, 16 assists and 29 steals.