Mercer Island was well represented during the NCAA Men’s Water Polo National Championship tournament on Dec. 7 as two former Islanders, Kyle Sterling and Charlie Horton, competed for separate schools in Palo Alto, Calif.

Sterling, a sophomore, and the USC Trojans won their fourth national title in men’s water polo with a 7-5 victory over Stanford during the finals.

“It was definitely the peak of my career,” said Sterling. “Since there isn’t a pro-league, this is the pinnacle of the sport.”

Sterling scored a second-half goal during the game, giving his team a 6-2 lead.

“It is every player’s dream to do that,” said Sterling. “My best bud and roommate gave me the pass, so that was great.”

The win also capped a perfect 29-0 season. It is only the second time in school history when the team has completed a season undefeated. The last time was in 1944, when the team played only five games.

“We got a warm welcome when we got back,” said Sterling. “Water polo is pretty well known at SC.”

Horton’s Loyola Marymount University team finished the tournament third overall, defeating Navy, 11-4.

Sterling said that he and Horton only got to talk briefly during the tournament.

“It is definitely good to see another MI alum playing at the highest level,” said Sterling.

The team’s only loss came to Stanford during the semifinals, 6-5. The Lions finished the season with a record of 21-10. The win total is the second highest in school history, and the team’s placing is the best ever for the Lions. Horton, who played a big part in last year’s state championship team for the Islanders, is a freshman at the university.