The VC men's water polo team has shown great improvement during the 2019 season. On Wednesday, however, they learned how much farther they have to go in dropping a 24-10 decision to No. 3-ranked Los Angeles Valley in Valley Glen. Brandyn Robles and Ryan Reardon each scored three goals and Austin Brunk added three steals as the Pirates trailed 13-3 at halftime in the setback.
The Monarchs scored a pair of goals before Robles got Ventura (7-6, 2-1) on the board. LA Valley netted three more scores before the end of the period and led 5-1 at the quarter break.
Unfortunately it was more of the same for the Pirates in the second quarter as scored by Brunk and Reardon were not enough to offset the offensive onslaught from the hosts. LA Valley held a 13-3 lead at intermission.
Brunk had two goals offensively and added three field blocks on th defensive end of the pool. Reardon had two assists and two steals. Brandon Berce and Trevor Campbell also added goals for Ventura while Campbell, Dru Coronado, Robles and Gabriel Ibarra each handed out an assist.
"It was not a well played game," said VC head coach Travis Allain, "but an important learning experience."
The Pirates have little time to recover as they head to San Luis Obispo for the Cuesta Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 and 20. The Pirates will play three games on Friday, including their final regular season WSC game against the hosts. They continue with a pair of games Saturday.