In their Western State Conference opener, the VC women's soccer team rode a pair of hat tricks to victory over Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo Tuesday afternoon. Sophomores Jennifer Orozco and Janelle Garcia each scored three goals for Ventura (7-4, 1-0) in the win over the Cougars.
Despite the two-plus hour drive, the Pirates wasted little time in asserting control as Orozco found the back of the net in the second minute off of an assist by Janelle. Rae Ritchie would have gotten the extra "hockey" assist on the play.
Barely a minute later, Orozco scored again with an assist from Jennifer Magana. VC led 2-0 at the 2:30 mark of the first half, barely enough time for the seats to get warm.
Cuesta managed to halve the Pirate advantage soon thereafter, but Janelle re-established the two goal margin with a score in the 30th minute on an assist from Orozco.
In the 38th minute, Valeria Ramirez played a great through ball to orozco, who cashed it in for her hat trick before halftime. VC led 4-1 at intermission.
Cuesta started the second half with a pair of goals to close to within 4-3, but Janelle found the back of the net in the 66th minute with an assist by Melissa Cardenas. Seven minutes later, Michelle Rios assisted Janelle's third goal of the contest setting the final margin at 6-3.
Ventura played an aggressive game offensively, once again, with 27 shots, 20 on goal. The Cougars had five shots on goal in the game and Pirate goalkeeper Evanessa Vasquez recorded two saves.
Ventura continues WSC play with its next three matches at home. VC will next host Hancock on Friday Oct. 14 at the Sportsplex. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 pm.