Crescenta Valley secures the Pacific League Tournament Championship with a 12-4 win over Burbank 

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Lorenzo Antonio

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Daron Alexaians’ two third-quarter goals helped the Falcons secure the Pacific League title 

Water polo game in progress at night, with players in the pool and spectators watching from the sidelines.
A nighttime water polo match in progress at the GHS Aquatic Center, with players in the pool and spectators in the background.
Nighttime view of the GHS Aquatic Center with water polo players in the pool and spectators gathered near the seating area.

The Crescenta Valley Falcons come away with a convincing 12-4 win over the Burbank Bulldogs on Tuesday to secure the Pacific League title in the championship game of the league tournament behind the two big third-quarter goals by Daron Alexaians. In the preliminary round last Thursday, CV defeated Arcadia 17-7, and Burbank escaped with a one-point win over Hoover. 

A night scene at a water polo game, featuring players in the pool with goalposts visible. Spectators are gathered along the poolside, and a scoreboard shows a timer counting down.
A competitive water polo match taking place at night in a brightly lit pool, with players actively engaged in the game and spectators watching from the sidelines.
A water polo match in progress at night, with players actively competing in the pool and spectators watching from the stands.
Water polo match in action with players competing in the pool under floodlights, spectators watching from the sidelines.

Daniel Babelyan and Brayden Shabani both traded goals to start the first quarter for their respective teams. Shambani tied the game at one with a penalty shot goal. The Falcons then gained the advantage by going on a 4-1 scoring run with goals by Dion Alexanians, Alex Hovhanisyan, and Enzo Bryden. Alexanians had a chance to put the Falcons ahead 5-1, but his penalty shot was blocked by Dion Keshisyan. Michael Bakegyan and Daron Alexanians both scored back-to-back goals to increase the Falcons’ lead to end the first quarter. 

Water polo match in progress at night, featuring teams in a pool setting with spectators in the background.
A night water polo game featuring players in the pool, with a crowd in the background and bright floodlights illuminating the scene.
A water polo match in progress at night, with players in the pool and spectators in the background. The player in the foreground is preparing to shoot with a ball.
Water polo match in progress at night with players in water and spectators on the side.

Hovhanisyan started the second quarter with two goals to jumpstart CV’s offense and to get the lead to 7-2. Michael Bakegyan and Edgar Galstyan traded goals to end the first half with the Falcons up 8-3 at the halftime break. 

A water polo game taking place at night with spectators gathered around the poolside, featuring a player wearing a blue sweatshirt standing near the edge of the pool.
A water polo game in progress, featuring players competing in a blue swimming pool with spectators in the background.
A night water polo match with players actively involved in the pool, splashes of water visible as they compete. Spectators are present on the sides, with illuminated surroundings and a scoreboard in view.
Water polo game in progress at night with players competing in the pool and spectators in the background.

Following the break, Hovhanisyan and Jack Babelyan each scored for their respective teams to start the third quarter, with Babelyan scoring a penalty shot goal, making it a 9-4 game. Shabani and Daron Alexaians put the icing on the cake with three straight goals to increase the Falcons’ lead to eight heading into the final quarter of play.  Both teams were held to no points in a defensive display throughout the fourth period. 

A water polo match in progress in a brightly lit pool with players in the water wearing caps, while spectators watch from the side.
Water polo game in progress at GHS Aquatic Center, with players in the pool and spectators lining the side.
Nighttime water polo game at the GHS Aquatic Center, with teams competing in a brightly lit pool.

“Burbank always turns it on in the playoffs,” said Jan Sankoju. “They were a team that was taken seriously because this team had pulled off two upsets in the tournament.” Sankoju also added that he was proud of how the boys stuck to the game plan to take down a decent Burbank Bulldogs team. 

Water polo match taking place at GHS Aquatic Center, with players in the pool and spectators watching from the side.
A water polo match at night with players in the pool, a goal in the foreground, and a crowd watching from the sidelines.
GHS Aquatic Center with players in the pool during a water polo game.

“I thought we did not play up to our full potential, and CV did the exact opposite of what we did tonight,” said Davo Arakelyan. Arakelyan also added that the team had jitters, especially being in a championship game, and that they didn’t execute the way he wanted them to. 

A night view of the GHS Aquatic Center with a water polo game in progress, showcasing the illuminated pool and spectators watching from the side.
A water polo match in progress at night, with players in the pool and spectators watching from the sidelines.

Both Burbank and Crescenta Valley will find out their CIF Southern Section opening round opponents on Thursday, October 24th at 2:00 p.m.

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