The Pirates' men's water polo team claimed their Western State Conference opener with a resounding 14-7 victory over visiting Santa Monica Wednesday afternoon at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Utility player Eric Krieger netted three scores with four assists and three steals to lead VC in the win.
Ventura dominated from the onset, opening up a 9-2 lead at the intermission, before posting the seven goal victory.
Daniel Amorim joined Krieger with three goals, adding a drawn ejection and two steals. Alejandro Astudillo als netted a hat trick for the victors, while Trevor Edwards had a pair of scores. Nathan Sardoni, Jack Pickett and Rogelio Coronado also added goals for Ventura (4-7, 1-0). J'son Ruiz recorded four saves in goal in the match.
The Pirates will travel to the Saddleback Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3. They will take on Chaffey and the host Gauchos on Friday before playing rematches with Rio Hondo and Santa Monica on Saturday. Their next conference match is Wednesday Oct. 7 at Los Angeles Valley.