The VC men's water polo team got back in the win column with a resounding 19-3 victory over Fullerton Friday at the Cerritos Mini Tournament. They followed that up with a hard fought setback against the host Falcons for a split on the day. Owen Cugnoni had eight goals and Michael Soho scored five to lead the Pirates. Kyle Wagner handed out four assists in the two games.
Ventura 19, Fullerton 3
The Pirates were all over the Hornets from the beginning, as Cugnoni scored on VC's first possession of the game. Scott Wagner followed with another score, and Cugnoni scored again for a 3-0 margin. Sebastian Cornejo, Cameron Habib and Carlos Gonzalez also scored and Ventura led 6-1 at the end of the first period.
The rout continued in the second as Ventura outscored Fullerton to lead 11-2 at intermission.
Cugnoni ended with five goals while Soho scored four times with an assist. Habib and S. Wagner each had two scores while Ramon Rodriguez scored once with two assists and a steal. K. Wagner handed out three dimes in the game while starting goalie Stephen McNaughten had a save with two steals and three assists.
Ventura 8, Cerritos 14
VC found the swimming more difficult in the nightcap as they dropped the decision to the tournament hosts. Cugnoni scored three goals with three drawn ejections and Thomas Vels found the inside of the cage twice with an assist and one theft. Cornejo scored once with two helpers and four steals. McNaughton had five saves in goal.
Ventura continues Western State Conference play at home on Wednesday Oct. 4 against Los Angeles Valley. The opening sprint will take place at 3:00 pm at the Ventura Aquatic Center.