The VC soccer team scored a pair of second half goals Saturday in Salinas to defeat defending state champion Hartnell 2-0. Isa Garcia had four saves in goal to record the shutout while the Pirates' received goals from Alix Tirado and Kaelyn Federis to set the final margin. The Ventura back line of Ashley Tiscareno, Sofia Preciado, Federis and Hannah Price also had an outstanding match to assist Garcia defensively.
The sides engaged in a competitive first half with neither team able to find the inside of the net.
The Pirates (2-3) finally got untracked 10 minutes after intermission when Tirado netted her fifth goal in the last four games, a low shot into the right corner of the frame, off an assist from Daisy Cisneros.
VC put the match out of reach in the 71st minute when Federis bent a free kick from the right side just wide of the 18-yard box into the lower right corner of the goal.
Solid efforts from Valerie Hernandez and Maggie Mordecai in the midfield also contributed to the strong team performance in the Pirate triumph.
Ventura returns home on Tuesday Sept. 13 to face Rio Hondo College. kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 pm at the Sportsplex.