The VC women's water polo team won a pair of games Saturday at the Cuesta Tournament in San Luis Obispo. The Pirates (3-3) defeated Fresno 17-7 in the first contest of the day before handing Merced a 16-8 loss in the nightcap. Cali Iadevaia led the way with 11 goals and five assists on the day while Raylynn Lipsky scored four times and anchored the defense with 10 steals. Goalie Shayle Barrus turned back 24 shots in the two games in the cage.
Ventura 17, Fresno 7
The Pirates pulled away from the Rams in the first half, posting a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter before leading 7-3 at intermission. Ventura outscored Fresno 10-4 in the final 16 minutes of play. Iadevaia netted five goals with four assists, two steals and three ejections drawn while Drew Reyes totaled five scores, four helpers and a pair of steals. Lipsky had two goals with two assists and five thefts defensively, and Barrus manned the net for three quarters, recording 12 saves. Leanna Ramirez scored twice with a pair of assists and Shaeleigh Russell also had two scores.
Ventura 16, Merced 8
VC completed the sweep for the day with the victory over the Blue Devils. The Pirates pulled away in the second half, outscoring Merced 8-2 over the final 16 minutes of play to secure the win. Iadevaia netted six scores with an assist and one steal while Sierra Cameron had three goals with an assist. Lipsky had a pair of goals with two assists and five steals while Chloe Golden had two goals and two assists. Abby Coker dished out three assists with a pair of thefts and Barrus was solid in the cage once again with 12 saves.
The Pirates will make their 2019 home debut on Saturday Sept. 21 against Crafton Hills at 10:00 am at the Ventura Aquatic Center. That will be followed by the annual alumnae game at 1:00 pm.