The Ventura College men's water polo team opened Western State Conference play Wednesday with a solid 10-8 victory over visiting Citrus at the Ventura Aquatic Center. CJ Daland netted three goals for the Pirates (10-5, 1-0) with an assist, two drawn ejections and three steals.
VC opened the game strong, taking a 4-2 advantage after one quarter of play. They extended that lead to 8-4 at halftime.
The teams played even in the third period with the Pirates holding a 10-6 edge before Citrus managed a pair of scores in the fourth to make the game close.
Clint Howard had two scores with two drawn ejections and two steals while Kyle Goodrich ahd a goal, three assists and five steals. Coby Wiegman found the back of the cage twice with an assist and two steals. Roger Escalante and Kevin Smallwood also netted goals for VC in the win.
Luis Galvez had 13 saves in goal with a steal and an assist.
The Pirates next travel to the Saddleback Invitational in Mission Viejo Friday and Saturday Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.