The Pirates' women's water polo team used a 10-0 run over 10 minutes of game time beginning midway through the first quarter to propel them to a 15-9 victory over Los Angeles valley Wednesday afternoon at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Paige Treloar-Ballard netted five goals, all in the first half, to lead the way and Lauren Wiksell had three scores and four assists in the victory, VC's 10th straight triumph and their 14th win in the past 15 contests.
Ventura (18-5, 5-1) and the Monarchs were tied 1-1 early before the Pirates caught fire. Wiksell scored twice, and Kelsey Golden and Beth Arbon also netted scores as VC opened up a 5-1 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Treloar-Ballard scored four of the next six Ventura goals in the second period, with three assisted by Wiksell, as the Pirates took total control of the match. VC led 11-2 at intermission.
The Pirates substituted liberally in the final two quarters while keeping LA Valley at arm's length throughout the half. The Monarchs closed to within 14-9 late, but the outcome of the contest had long ago been decided.
Ylva Ostlin had a pair of goals and two steals for Ventura while Maeve Flynn scored twice with two assists and four steals on defense. Arbon also netted two scores and Katia Flores and Brittany Camp each handed out two assists. Valeria Ramirez had seven saves in the cage.
The Pirates will take on some of the best teams in the state Friday and Saturday Oct. 21 and 22 at the Battle at the Beach hosted at Long Beach City and Cerritos colleges. VC begins play Friday against San Joaquin Delta at 11:30am at Cerritos.