The VC men's water polo team split a pair of games Friday on the first day of the Saddleback Tournament in Mission Viejo. Ventura (6-3, 1-0) narrowly dropped a 13-12 decision to the host Gauchos in the opener before coming back to defeat Southwestern 15-10 in the nightcap. Ryan Reardon had six goals on the day while Austin Brunk, Brandyn Robles and Gabriel Ibarra all scored four times in the two games.
Ventura 12, Saddleback 13
After falling behind 6-3 in the first quarter, VC closed the gap to 8-6 at halftime. Brunk and Reardon combined for three straight scores to close the third period for a 10-9 Pirate lead, but the hosts were able to overcome the deficit in the final eight minutes. Reardon and Brunk each had three goals while Robles and Trevor Campbell had two scores apiece.
Ventura 15, Southwestern 10
Robles, Reardon and Jake Peters all score din the first quarter of the game, and Brunk and Robles' goals in the second period gave the Pirates a 7-6 halftime lead. Ventura pulled away a bit in the third quarter with help from Gabriel Ibarra's two goals. VC pulled away for the 15-10 victory. Ibarra and Reardon each scored three times while Dru Coronado, Peters and Robles each netted a pair of goals.
The Pirates will conclude play in Mission Viejo on Saturday Oct. 5, taking on El Camino and Modesto.