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By DAN ALBANOThe Orange County Registerhe cover of Villa Park’s banquet program summed up the water polo season for senior Nick PaCelli. He and his teammates were in the pool this fall celebrating a 10-9 overtime victory against rival Foothill that gave Villa Park its first Century League title since 1991. Villa Park ended an eight-game losing streak to Foothill with the victory.“That was our goal going back to the summer,” Pacelli said of winning the league title. “It was very relieving.”Pacelli, the Register’s 1998 Boys Water Polo Player of the Year, showed the Spartans the way all season.Pacelli has the stats. The Century League MVP led the team in goals with a single-season, school-record 129, making him the second all-time scorer in school history with 320. OnlyKyle Baumgarner (340) scored more.Pacelli also led Villa Park in assists (68) and ejections drawn (72). and was second in steals (85). He is the school’s career leader in assists (213) and ejections drawn (158).But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. The 5-foot-ll, 167-pounder’s best position is driver, but because of the team’s need he played 2-meter offense. The last time Pacelli played holeman was in youth leagues.Pacelli never complained, despite triple or even quadruple coverage. He just helped the Spartans win.“It was actually pretty fun,”he said.But what kind of numbers would the first-team All-CIF Division I selection put up if he could have played driver and fired more outside shots?That’s how I make the (U.S.) junior (national) team,” Pacelli said. “With my driving and shooting.”1998 ALL-COUNTY\ \ 'TER POLNICKPACELLI2-meter offense Villa Park, Sr.TIMBIRDSONGGoalieNewport Harbor, Jr.The second-team All-CIF Division II selection made more saves against three-time Division I champion Long Beach Wilson than any goalie in the county. Birdsong finished with 223 saves.JEFFLARSONUtility Marina, Sr.The Sunset League MVP and Division II Co-Player of the Year was second in goals (130) and led the team in assists (60) and steals (149). He also was the Vikings' top 2-meter defender and driver.FIRSTGARYCONWELLUtilityNewport Harbor, Sr.The Sea View League MVP was third on the Sailors in goals (47), second in steals (56) and first in assists (50) and ejections drawn (38). He was selected first-team All-CIF Division I.EITANGOLDSTEINDriver Foothill, Sr.The first-team All-CIF Division I selection led the Knights with 79 goals and added 38 assists. His 79 goals rank 11th on the school's all-time single-season scoring list.MICHAELKIM2-meter offense Servite, Jr.The Golden West League MVP and Division II Co-Player of the Year led the Friars with 87 goals, and added 33 steals and 52 assists. He also drew 59 ejections.BEAUSCHUSTERUtilitySan Clemente, Sr.The South Coast League MVP was the Tritons' second-leading scorer with 68 goals, and finished ninth on the school's all-time scoring list with 157.► Jeff Lloyd, Sr., El Toro► Jeff Leeper, Sr., Newport Harbor► Kevin Marsh, Sr.,Magnolia► Matt Ellis, Sr.,Foothill► Justin Fassnacht, Sr., Marina► Phillip Garcia, Sr.,Servite► Doug Brown, Sr., El Toro (goalie)BILL BARNETTNewport HarborThe former U.S. national team coach kept the Sailors atop the Orange County rankings all season and guided the squad to a title in the Sea View League.
Newspaper Details
Santa Ana Orange County Register
Santa Ana, California, US
Tue, Dec 22, 1998
Page 51
Full Page
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USA 22 Feb 2019
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