MEN'S WATER POLO: Showing some gritty defense, the Pirate men's water polo team split a pair of matches on the first day of the Cuesta Invitational in San Luis Obispo Friday. Goalie Sean McGee had 22 saves in the two matches while seven different Pirates recorded goals, led by two each fro Tim Allen, Rogelio Coronado and Rodrigo Siracusa. The Pirates will wrap up play in the tournament Saturday Sept. 21 with two matches.
Ventura 5, Cuesta 8
In a match up of Western State Conference foes, VC (2-3) took an early lead against the cougars and played solidly throughout the match. Unfortunately, a few untimely turnovers cost VC some transition goals, and Cuesta prevailed 8-5. Allen netted a pair of scores in the match and Coronado, Siracusa and Hunter Shevitt scored one goal each. McGee had 11 saves and four steals in the net.
Ventura 5, American River 3
Joe Yamamoto, Coronado, Siracusa, Tyler Remnant and Michael Nott all scored for VC and McGee recorded 11 more saves. The Pirates grabbed an early lead and held tight on the defensive end to secure the win.
Following two more matches in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, the Pirates will play at home on Saturday Sept. 28 at 11:30am against the VC Alumni. They will host Cuesta on Wednesday Oct. 9 at 2:15 pm. All Pirate home matches are at the Ventura Aquatic Center on Kimball Road.