Upon the completion of the 2014 regular season, the Diablo Valley College men’s water polo team is setting its sights on the playoffs.

The Vikings finished the regular season with an overall record of 14-6 and a perfect 5-0 record in the Big 8 Conference.

The team wrapped up the regular season Wednesday, Oct. 29 as it seized a 14-6 victory over the Sierra College Wolverines.

The victory was significant because a loss would have lifted Sierra into first place in the conference and left the Vikings in second.

The game was played tightly in the first quarter, but the Vikings would edge ahead of the Wolverines going into half with a 7-5 lead.

After the half, the Vikings gained momentum, dominating on both offense and defense. The Vikings shut out Sierra in the third quarter and limited them to only one goal in the entire second half.

The Vikings are in a very good position heading into the Big 8 Conference Tournament but they will have to maintain solid play in order to reach the Nor Cal Regional Tournament.

Hole set Vladmir Kazanskiy feels as though the team could very well face Sierra in the Big 8 Championship and will not need to make many adjustments in order to win.

“We probably need to swim a little bit faster which is one of our weaknesses,” Kazanskiy said. “As for now we are in perfect physical shape, we just need to be prepared mentally.”

Head coach John Roemer feels his team has done well this year and that its work ethic has a lot to do with its success.

“Things never go smoothly,” Roemer said. “You work through those you know, it’s how you work them out that matters in the end.”

Roemer believes his players should excel in their schoolwork and believes that transfers into their play.

Lefty Vincent Chapey feels as though the team is in very good shape for the playoffs despite having some ups and downs throughout the regular season.

“We definitely have what it takes to win,” Chapey said. “Team chemistry is really good, we all hang out together we’re like family.”

The Vikings will have a chance to advance in the playoffs as they enter the Big 8 Conference Tournament Thursday, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 8 at Delta College in Stockton.