Costa
Masters Wins 2nd Annual Masters Classic
The
Second Annual Masters Classic, held in Las Vegas,
Nevada, finished in classic style
this past weekend with teams from all over the country competing in
one of the most attractive resort destinations in the United
States. Teams came from six different
states and two countries, with both coasts represented.
The
ten participating teams were drawn at random into three brackets.
Costa Masters cruised through their early round games with only one
scare against Princeton Alumni. Unfortunately for the Alumni, they
happened to be placed in the same bracket as the eventual tournament
winners. However, they gave Costa their best game of the tournament
losing 10-11. SHAFT, Costaís ultimate opponent in the finals also
cruised through two of their games, facing their first real test against
the home town City of Las Vegas
team, edging Vegas 9-7 and earning a bid to the championship game.
In
the finals, Costa jumped to an early lead and never relented. Although
SHAFT made it interesting halfway through the third period coming
within two goals, Costa scored twice to pull away and seal the victory,
eventually winning 15-11. Third Place was captured by Greater Philadelphia
over City of Las Vegas. Ý
American
Water Polo established the event to be something more than just another
water polo tournament. AWPís hope is to see the number of teams increase
in the future with the draw of the great recreational opportunities
and the outstanding facility at the Henderson Multi-Generational Pool.
If the growth from four teams the first year to ten in the second
is any indication, AWP ës aspirations may become reality.
In
order to establish the event as something unique, the tournament features
a team dinner, fastest shot contest, reasonable game times that allow
teams to enjoy the night life, and a chance to play against teams
they do not ordinarily see. The formula appears to be working with
all of teams enjoying themselves. Greater Philadelphiaís
Greg Fox put it best when he describes his experience, ìVegas baby,
great competition and great fun.î
