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Men's Water Polo

Mt. SAC 3C2A So Cal Awards: Alex Lopez Named MVP; Brandon Fabrega (Second Team); Marc Ruh, Coach of the Year

Mt. SAC 3C2A So Cal Awards: Alex Lopez Named MVP; Brandon Fabrega (Second Team); Marc Ruh, Coach of the Year
Posted: Dec 08, 2023

(Walnut, CA) Following one of the most successful seasons for a Mt. SAC Men's Water Polo player, freshman utility player Alex Lopez has been honored as the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Southern California Regional Most Valuable Player.

Alongside Lopez, Mountie sophomore attacker Brandon Fabrega secured a spot on the All-So Cal Second Team.

Lopez, also chosen as the South Coast Conference Co-Most Valuable Player, led the state in goals scored with 143 and assists with 84. He ranked No. 1 in the state with 225 shots (63.6 SH%) and stood third in steals with 99. Lopez was also distinguished as the SCC Player of the Year.

Fabrega, named to the All-SCC first team, concluded the season with a state-best 109 steals, 99 goals (tied for sixth in the state), 54 assists (14th in the state), 109 steals (No. 1 in the state), and 193 shots (51.3 SH%).

Both Lopez and Fabrega received All-American honors, joined by freshman utility player Aidan Gillooly (Honorable Mention).

In addition to the player awards, Mt. SAC coach Marc Ruh was recognized as the So Cal Coach of the Year and South Coast Conference Coach of the Year.

"I was very surprised to receive Coach of the Year honors for So Cal and the conference," said Ruh, who has coached at the college for over 30 years. "It was unexpected. Both recognitions are great honors, and I am humbled by them."

Five other players from the extensive roster also received All-Conference honors.

They were: (First Team) Sophomore driver Jude Solis, sophomore center Edward (EJ) Lynch, and Gillooly. (Second Team) Freshman attacker Roman Robles and freshman center George Roby-Unkovich. (Honorable Mention) Marcus Robles and Mikey McMillan.

"These players have demonstrated outstanding skills that contributed significantly to our program's success this year," Ruh added. "They are exceptional individuals and excel in their academic endeavors as well.

"They are nine remarkable individuals who worked diligently this year, leading us to our first South Coast Conference Championship in many years."