The Pirates' men's water polo team competed at the Saddleback Invitational Friday in Mission Viejo, dropping contests against Palomar and El Camino. Alexis Nava exploded for six goals in the nightcap while Joe Lowry and Matthew Ogonowski each netted a pair of goals on the day for the orange and black.
Ventura 4, Palomar 17
The Pirates dropped the opener to the Comets, 17-4. Ogonowski, making his debut for Ventura, scored twice while Lowry and George Bonilla also found the inside of the cage. Ogonowski and Lowry also drew two ejections each in the contest. Sebastian Ayala recorded seven saves in goal.
Ventura 9, El Camino 18
VC showed signs of life in the second game of the day. After falling behind El Camino 5-1 after one quarter, the Pirates outscored the Warriors 4-3 in the second to close to within 8-5 at halftime. El Camino took control of the game in the third period, however, as Ventura fell by a final margin of 18-9.
Nava exploded for six goals in the game with two assists and a pair of steals. Lowry scored twice with one assist and a steal and Carlos Gonzalez also had a goal wit three thefts defensively. Ayala turned back 10 El Camino shots protecting the cage.
Ventura will conclude the Saddleback Invitational on Saturday Oct. 1 with games against Merced and Modesto.