LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Picked to finish last to begin the year, the Augustana Vikings men's water polo team has claimed the 2022 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation East division championship, defeating the Austin 'Roos by a score of 10-7 in Sunday's title game.

After three minutes of scoreless action, the 'Roos notched back-to-back goals within a span of 46 seconds to take the early lead. A goal from Oskar Bannister cut the deficit in half as Austin took a 2-1 score in their favor out of the first quarter. 

The Vikings' offense picked up in the second, all while holding the 'Roos to just a single goal. Scores from three different members put the Vikings on top at the halftime break, leading 4-3 following goals from Joseph Addison, Zander O'Dwyer, and Jake Fisher.

Addison and Stevan Rasic added two goals in the first half of the third quarter, but Austin remained within striking distance after notching two of the next three scores. Augie led 7-5 heading into the final period.

Within the first 75 seconds of the fourth quarter, Austin tallied consecutive goals to even the game at 7-7. JP Sutton answered with a power play goal, which proved to be the game-winner as the Vikings did not allow a goal the rest of the way. Insurance goals from Addison and Bannister in the final two minutes cushioned the team's lead as they squeaked out the three-point victory to claim the East title.

The 'Roos posted a 34-26 shot advantage, but were held in check by Declan Hutton, the MPSF Newcomer of the Year, who finished with 18 saves and two steals in net. He ended the game with double-digit saves in the second half to help the Vikings hold the 'Roos to their second-lowest point total against DIII opponents this season.

On offense, Addison led the team with three goals and four steals.

"It felt amazing," Addison said in a post-game press conference. "I can't put myself in these situations, it's all because of my teammates that I was able to get the opportunities that I could."

The win over Austin is their second of the season and caps off a perfect 8-0 mark against MPSF East opponents this season. They finished the year 10-2 against DIII foes. The Vikings entered Sunday a bit shorthanded, but head coach Ryan Pryor says they were able to overcome the adversity by the mindset they instilled in August.

"We focus on each day, trying to get better each day and when we do that, the results take care of themselves," Pryor stated postgame.

With the victory, Augustana finishes their 2022 campaign with a 14-6 record.