LOS ANGELES – The UC Davis Aggies remain the class of the Western Water Polo Association, claiming their seventh title in program history and second in a row in a thrilling, 13-12 final against UC San Diego on Sunday at the Burns Aquatics Center.

The Aggies won their fifth WWPA title in the last seven seasons, and head to the NCAA Tournament for what is the third straight season the Ags have competed after opting out of the 2020-21 campaign. UC Davis has now won conference crowns in 1996, 1997, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. This marks the fifth title under the Child and Meisel Families Director of Men's Water Polo Dan Leyson.

Redshirt sophomore Tyler Mrkaich was named the Tournament's Most Valuable Player after scoring six of the 13 Aggie goals, including the eventual game-winner in overtime. The Clovis native scored three of his six goals in the clutch, finding the net late in the fourth quarter and twice in overtime. He paced the Ags with a game-high seven points.

2021 Tournament MVP Aaron Wilson joined Mrkaich on the all-tournament team this year, making nine saves after UC Davis faced 28 shots on the afternoon. Will Nomura and also joined the duo on the all-tournament first team as Levi Murtaugh garnered second-team accolades. Nomura added two goals in the winning effort, while Murtaugh added one.

UCD faced a quick 2-0 deficit after the first quarter, but the Ags battled back in the second frame, equaling the score, 5-5.

Knotted at 10 after regulation, UC Davis seized the 12-11 lead after the first overtime after timely goals from Mrkaich and Holden Neach. Mrkaich sealed the contest with his goal with 1:05 left in the second overtime.

The Aggies now wait for the NCAA selections, which will be announced tonight via press release at 9:00 p.m. PT. The National Collegiate Water Polo Championship will be held on Dec. 3-4, at the Spieker Aquatics Complex on the campus of Cal Berkeley.