The Ventura College men's water polo team dropped its Western State Conference opener Wednesday afternoon. The Pirates fell 16-4 to state No. 3-ranked Cuesta at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Sebastian Cornejo scored a pair of goals for VC while Alexis Nava and Carlos Gonzalez also found the inside of the cage.
The Pirates, making their home debut, trailed 6-1 at the end of one quarter and 10-1 at halftime. VC showed some signs of life in the third period with a pair of goals.
Joe Lowry, Michael Andrews and Rafael Rodriguez all had assists for Ventura and Lowry also grabbed one steal with one field block. George Bonilla drew three exclusions in the game.
The Pirates next travel to the Saddleback Tournament on Friday and Saturday Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.