Trailing 3-1 after the first eight minutes of play, the Pirates' women's water polo team came back for an 8-6 victory over Los Angeles Valley College Wednesday afternoon at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Cecily Loya had three goals, three steals and an assist to lead VC (7-5, 3-0).
The Monarchs came out with a strong effort leading to a 3-1 advantage at the end of the first quarter. VC tightened the defense in the second while halving the lead to a 3-2 score at halftime.
Ventura tied the game at the end of three periods, 5-5, then used a strong fourth quarter to down the Monarchs 8-6 to remain unbeaten in Western State Conference play.
While Loya led the way for VC, it was a team effort the whole way. Christina Tellez netted a pair of goals with three assists and a steal and Brittany McWaid also scored twice. Melissa Robles recorded the other goal for the Pirates.
Defensively, Raquel Rodriguez had four steals and handed out an assist and Reginae Maturino also had four thefts for the home team, along with two drawn ejections and an assist. Danielle Pfeifer had two steals with an assist and Cheyanne Irigoyen also picked off two Monarch possessions.
Goalie Miranda Campos had eight saves on the day, including four in the pivotal fourth quarter.
The Pirates will host the annual Ventura Tournament this coming weekend, Friday and Saturday Oct. 12 and 13. VC opens plays El Camino at 9:45 am Friday, followed by a match with the Ventura All-Stars at 5:55 pm. Saturday they will play Santa Monica at 9:40 am followed by Cypress at 2:20 pm.