The Ventura College women's water polo team used a strong third quarter to defeat visiting Citrus College 9-7 Wednesday afternoon at the Ventura Aquatic Center. The victory wraps up the No. 3 seed for the Pirates (10-9, 4-2) in the upcoming Western State Conference tournament. Cali Iadevaia led VC with three goals while Drew Reyes and Annie Magno each scored twice.
The Pirates trailed 2-0 midway through the first quarter before goals by Reyes and Iadevaia evened the count at the quarter break. The Owls netted three unanswered scores to open the second period, but the Pirates closed the gap with goals by Reyes and Raylynn Lipskye final minute of play. VC trailed at halftime 5-4.
Ventura turned the tables in the third stanza when Magno scored to tie the game at 5-5. Talullah Lund Sidi and Magno followed with scores to make it 7-5 for Ventura, and a late Citrus goal left the count at 7-6 heading to the final period. Iadevaia found the inside of the cage early in the fourth with an assist from Shayle Barrus, and then finished off the Owls with a goal with 1:01 remaining on the clock, setting the final 9-7 margin.
Shayne Naylor was active offensively with three early assists while Reyes and Chloe Golden keyed the defense with three and two steals, respectively. Haley Hall and Barrus each recorded five saves in goal for the Pirates.
VC next travels to the Battle at the Beach in Long Beach Friday and Saturday Oct. 19 and 20 before beginning play in the WSC Tournament on Nov. 1.