The Ventura College women's water polo team continued to play strong defensively, but struggled to score in a pair of tough losses to conclude the Battle at the Beach hosted by Long Beach City College Saturday. The Pirates (10-12, 3-2) fell to Palomar in the 8:00 am breakfast special 12-5 before dropping their third match of the year to Chaffey, 8-4 in the finale.
Ventura 5, Palomar 12
With an early start, the Pirates found it difficult to get going in Saturday's opener against Palomar. The Comets jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first eight minutes, and led 7-1 at halftime. Cecily Loya scored three goals and had six steals to lead the effort while Christina Tellez had a goal, an assist, and two steals. Melissa Robles also found the back of the net for VC. Brittany Remo turned back four shots in the cage.
Ventura 4, Chaffey 8
The Pirates saved their best effort of the weekend in the defensive struggle against Chaffey. The teams were in a scoreless tie after one quarter before the Panthers grabbed a 3-0 halftime lead. Ventura outscored Chaffey 3-2 in the final quarter but it was not enough to hold off the loss. Loya scored a goal and picked up five steals. Meanwhile, Raquel Rodriguez, Danielle Pfeifer and Reginae Maturino also scored for the Pirates. Miranda Campos had nine saves in goal.
Ventura will close Western State Conference play at Pierce College on Wednesday Oct. 29 at 3:30 pm beofe headed to Pasadena for a mini tournament on Friday Oct. 31.