For the second time in 10 days, the Pirates' men's water polo team fell to Los Angeles Valley College. Wednesday's 17-5 decision was the team's Western State Conference opener at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Daniel Amorin and Dominic Tassano each scored two goals to lead VC (1-8, 0-1).
Valley came out strong, capoitalizing on Pirate mistakes building a 5-1 lead after one quarter. The Monarchs stretched that lead to 11-2 by halftime. The Pirates gave up six goals in the third period before finding their nitch defensively in the final period.
"Despite the lopsided score, the guys are continuing to improve," said head coach Tim Settem. "(They) are on the verge of a breakthrough."
That breakthrough could come this weekend, October 3-4, as VC heads north to the American River College Tournament in Sacramento. The Pirates will take on Santa Rosa and American River on Friday before battling the Gold Coast Masters and Sierra Saturday.