STOCKTON, Calif. – Fourth-seeded and 16th-ranked California Baptist won three games in three days to win the 2024 West Coast Conference Men's Water Polo Tournament Championship Sunday afternoon at Chris Kjeldsen Pool at Douglass M. Eberhardt Aquatics Center on the campus of the University of the Pacific. CBU took down third-seeded and 13th-ranked San José State, 13-8, to secure the conference tournament title and the WCC’s automatic qualification to the NCAA Division I Men’s Water Polo Championship.
 
After taking down Santa Clara on Friday, top-seeded Pacific Saturday, the Lancers sustained a well-balanced attack on both the offensive and defensive ends Sunday to secure the conference tournament title.
 
The Spartans took a 1-0 early lead, before the Lancers went on a 9-2 run to end the half. California Baptist stifled most attacks that San José State put together, and kept its foot on the gas as the second half resumed. The usually potent SJSU offense was only 6-for-20 (30%) on its attempts through three quarters, while the Lancers were a surgical 12-for-24 (50%) with their chances before the final quarter. California Baptist got hands on San José State’s shots time and time again, racking up field blocks throughout the game.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Spartans pushed the pace, trying to cut into CBU’s lead. California Baptist was able to stave off the attack and complete the three-day sweep and earn the tournament championship. William Whitstone logged 13 saves in the cage for the Lancers while Logan Puhl totaled three goals in the victory for California Baptist.
 
Brendon Gyapjas had 11 saves for San José State.
 
The NCAA Division I Men’s Water Polo Championship selection show is set for 9 a.m. PT on Monday, on NCAA.com.

The WCC honored seven members on the Conference's All-Tournament Team, headlined by Whitstone, who was voted the WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player. 

WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player
William Whitstone, California Baptist

WCC All-Tournament Team 
Bodhi Bowden, California Baptist 
Brendon Gyapjas, San Jose State 
Christian Hosea, Pepperdine
Logan Puhl, California Baptist 
Maro Tiozzo, San Jose State   
Stefan Vavic, Pacific 
William Whitstone, California Baptist