Playing at the Ventura Aquatic Center for the first time since their exhibition Alumni game on Aug. 31, the VC men's water polo team battled in their 15-11 defeat against Cuesta. Thomas Shea led the Pirate effort with three goals in the game while Evan Augusta scored twice with two assists and two steals.
The Pirates (5-6, 1-1) fell behind 2-0 before Augusta netted a goal midway through the first quarter. VC trailed 3-1 at the end of the period.
Shea's score at the 6:01 mark of the second stanza cut the deficit to 6-2, and Patterson's goal maintained the margin, 7-3. Samuel Abarca and Augusta scored before halftime as Ventura trailed 9-5.
Ventura fought to keep within striking distance of the Cougars with Shea's goal making it 11-7 late in the third quarter. Cuesta pulled away at that point, however, with three straight scores and a 14-7 edge at the quarter break.
VC kept up the effort in the final eight minutes, pulling back to within 15-11 in the final minute of play.
Michael Soho led the defensive effort with four steals and Brayden Black recorded three field blocks, a steal and an assist.
The Pirates will return to action on Wednesday Oct. 16 at Los Angeles Valley.