In a close, hard-fought battle at the Ventura Aquatic Center, the Pirates' women's water polo team came back from a three goal deficit midway through the third quarter to defeat visiting LA Valley College, 10-9. Chloe Golden scored the game-winner with 14 seconds remaining to send Ventura (4-0, 1-0) to its fourth straight victory to open the season under new interim head coach Linda Wright. Cali Iadevaia had six goals to lead VC in the victory in front of a vocal crowd that featured several local high school teams in attendance.
The contest was close from the start with both teams holding one goal advantages in the first period before ending the quarter tied at 3-3. VC held a 4-3 lead at halftime on Iadevaia's second quarter goal.
The Pirates opened up some breathing room early in the second half with another score, but the Monarchs came roaring back with five unanswered goals to take an 8-5 lead with 2:15 left in the period. Goals by Shaeleigh Russell and Iadevaia closed the gap before the third quarter ended, and Iadevaia tied the score at 8-8 with 3:05 remaining in the game. Raylynn Lipsky capped an outstanding afternoon in the pool with a score at the 1:32 mark to put Ventura back ahead, and after an LAVC score to knot things up again, Golden exhibited her late-game heroics.
Shayle Barrus played well in the cage with 10 saves to go with a pair of steals while Iadevaia added two thefts and two drawn exclusions to her six-goal afternoon. Annie Magno handed out three assists with a steal and three blocks and Golden had two helpers and a steal in addition to her game-winner.
THe Pirates next head to the Riverside Tournament for two games on Friday Sept. 14 before returning home to face the VC Alumnae on Saturday Sept. 22.