Stanford's win over California in the final of the National Collegiate Men's Water Polo Championship had theTony Azevedo touch.

Azevedo's touches in the championship game December 8 at Loyola Marymount led to four goals and a game-sealing steal to help the Cardinal subdue the Bears, 7-6.

Azevedo's touch on the program has led to two straight national titles for Stanford, which hadn't previously won the title since 1994, and two most outstanding player awards.

"Tony is a winner," said John Vargas, Stanford's first-year head coach. "He's won at every level, and he's going to continue winning at every level. He's a great teammate, and he does a wonderful job."

Stanford (24-5) claimed its 10th men's water polo title with the win over California (20-7), which was trying for an NCAA-best 12th title. It was the fifth meeting of the season between the rivals, and the win gave the Cardinal a 3-2 edge.

Stanford jumped out to a 2-0 lead, thanks to a pair of first-period goals by senior Peter Hudnut. California's Will Quist cut the lead to one with 3:11 remaining in the first frame.

"What really sparked me," said Azevedo, "was Peter (Hudnut) scoring the first two goals. Playing with (seniors) Peter and Jeff Nesmith all my life, I wanted nothing more than to send these guys out with a win."

The second period was an offensive battle with the teams combining for seven goals. Stanford took a 3-1 lead on Azevedo's first of three consecutive goals at the 6:21 mark of the second quarter. The Golden Bears tied the game with goals from Andrew Stoddard and Will Quist.

Azevedo scored two more to put Stanford up, 5-3. The Cardinal added to the lead with an extra-man goal with 1:33 remaining in the half by Thomas Hopkins. California's Attila Banhidy cut Stanford's edge to 6-4 with a goal at the 1:16 mark.

In contrast to the second quarter, neither team could score in the third period. Azevedo gave Stanford a key three-goal lead with 4:42 remaining in the game. The goal would be the game-winner, since the Golden Bears mounted a rally in the final three minutes of the game.

Quist, who had three goals on the day, cut the lead to 7-5 with a goal at the 3:32 mark. Greg Panawek dropped the lead to one with 1:16 remaining. California had one last opportunity with less than 30 seconds left, but Azevedo stole the ball and snuffed the Golden Bears' title threat.

Azevedo and the Cardinal advanced to the title game with a 10-5 win over UC San Diego, while California eliminated Queens (New York) with a 14-6 win. Queens defeated UC San Diego in the third-place game, 6-5.

Azevedo was one of three Cardinal players selected to the all-tournament squad, along with Hudnut and Nick Ellis. California placed Stoddard, Banhidy and Chris Lathrop on the squad. Michel Vieira from Queens also was selected.

Semifinals

Stanford goals: Mike Derse 4, Peter Varellas, Peter Hudnut, Matt Moser, Thomas Hopkins, Greg Crum, Tony Azevedo.

UC San Diego goals: Matt Ellis 2, Brandon Borso 2, Jonathan Hopkins.

Saves: Stanford (Nick Ellis) 7; UC San Diego (Lance Onken) 9.

Attendance: 2,167.

California goals: Attila Banhidy 3, Todd Hylton 2, Peter Conte, Brian Rieben, Chris Lathrop, Rob Arroyo, Jeff Leeper, Greg Panawek, Andrew Stoddard, Joe Born, Vince Bevins.

Queens (N.Y.) goals: Michel Vieira 4, Istvan Baloga, John Prokhin.

Saves: California (Russell Bernstein) 4, Tim Kates 5; Queens (N.Y.) (Vedran Sokac) 6.

Attendance: 2,167.

Third-place game

UC San Diego goals: Brandon Borso (2), Kevin Hori, Clark Peterson, Paul Motschall.

Queens (N.Y.) goals: Caner Erdogru (3), Mark Lawrence, John Prokhin, Michel Vieira.

Saves: UC San Diego (Lance Onken) 8; Queens (N.Y.) (Vedran Sokac) 13.

Attendance: 2,600.

California goals: Will Quist (4), Andrew Stoddard, Greg Panawek, Attila Banhidy.

Stanford goals: Tony Azevedo (4), Peter Hudnut (2), Thomas Hopkins.

Saves: California (Russell Bernstein) 6; Stanford (Nick Ellis) 7.

Attendance: 2,600.