Following an undefeated weekend in the pool, Ventura men's water polo returned to Western State Conference play hosting Cuesta College Wednesday afternoon. A slow start to the game cost the Pirates as they fell 13-8. Nathan Sardoni and Isaias Castanon both netted two goals in the game.
Ventura (13-10, 1-2) looked to carry their momentum back into conference play, but were undone by a slow first half which saw them trailing 5-1 at its end. The Pirates found their way offensively in the second half netting seven goals as a team, but were unable to slow the Cougars' attack. Ventura was undone in the match by missed shots and turnovers halting their comeback attempt.
Daniel Amorim added three goals all in the second half with two assists and one steal. Sardoni picked up three drawn ejections in the game with Trevor Edwards adding two assists and three steals. The Pirate defense forced 13 steals in the game to counter the Cougar attack and kept the pressure on, collecting 25 total shots in the game.
VC will be off until Wednesday Oct. 28 when they will travel to Citrus College to take on the Owls in a 3:30 pm game in the regular season finale. VC then travels to Los Angeles Valley College on Nov. 5, 6 and 7 for the WSC Tournament.