The VC women's water polo team had a difficult day at the pool, dropping a 15-7 decision to top-ranked Santa Barbara Wednesday in Western State Conference play. Ella Montano scored twice with a pair of assists, two drawn exclusions and a steal and Kendal Santos netted one goal with three steals defensively. Ahna Davis had eight saves in goal and grabbed five steals for the Pirates (16-5, 2-1).
The going got tough from the beginning as the Vaqueros raced to a 3-0 lead within the first two minutes of play and led 5-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Ventura managed to close to within 8-4 by halftime with four goals in the final 3:44 of the second period.
Montano led VC offensively while AnnMarie Patterson, Kendall Ribbers and Gabrielle MacNeill also recorded scores in the game. Patterson added a pair of assists while Emily Baughn dropped three dimes. MacNeill had a pair of steals on the day.
Ventura next hits the pool on Wednesday Oct. 18 at Citrus College in Glendora.