The surging Ventura College men's water polo team produced a pair of wins to begin the Saddleback Tournament in Mission Viejo on Friday. VC defeated Chaffey 17-11 before downing the host Gauchos 10-7. Goalie J'son Ruiz had a big day with 21 saves, eight steals and three assists in the two contests.
Ventura 17, Chaffey 11
Daniel Amorim and Nathan Sardoni each netted six goals in the win for Ventura (6-7, 1-0). Amorim also had three drawn ejections, two steals and an assist while Sardoni added two ejections, a steal and one assist. Trevor Edwards scored twice with three steals and a block and Eric Krieger scored twice with two assists. Eddie Quila scored VC's other goal in the match. Ruiz recorded eight saves in the cage with four steals and two assists.
Ventura 10, Saddleback 7
Amorim led the offense once again with six goals while drawing a pair of ejections and grabbing one steal. Edwards posted a pair of scores with an assist and a drawn ejection and Sardoni had two goals and an assist. Krieger handed out two assists and Ruiz turned back 13 shots by the Gauchos with four steals and an assist.
Ventura will conclude the tournament with matches on Saturday Oct. 3 against Rio Hondo at 9:00 am and Santa Monica at 1:40 pm. vC continues Western State Conference play at Los Angeles Valley on Wednesday Oct. 7.