Women's Water Polo travels to Van Nuys this week for the 2023 Western State Conference Tournament.  The Cougars are the 5th-seed and open the tournament on Wednesday against host Los Angeles Valley.  The host Monarchs are the 4th-seed, as well as the tournament host, so they host the Cougars in the tournament play-in game, because only the Top 4 teams in the circuit play on Friday and Saturday.  The Monarchs beat the Cougars in their first meeting, directly after the Cougars' 18-day hiatus due to injuries.   The Cougars have won five of their last six games since that game, with their lone setback coming against #5 Long Beach, 8-7.  A victory for the Cougars on Wednesday should assure them another trip to the CCCAA Playoffs. The Cougars finished 3rd in the WSC last season and nabbed the 12th and final spot in the post-season, but a win on Wednesday could move them into the Top 10 this year.  The WSC Tournament's semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, while the Third Place and Championship games are set for Saturday at LA Valley in Van Nuys.