The Pirates' men's water polo team went 3-1 Friday and Saturday at the Golden West/Orange Coast Tournament in Huntington Beach. Owen Patterson continued his stellar play with 21 goals in the four games while Evan Augusta dropped 12 assists for Ventura goals. Bryce Biglin had a nice weekend in the cage with 56 saves.
Ventura started the weekend with a 15-10 victory over Saddleback. The Pirates opened the game with a 6-2 lead after one quarter and held a 9-3 advantage at halftime. It was 12-4 for VC at the end of three periods. Patterson scored three goals and grabbed three steals while Nico Rosado and Patrik Bötkös also had three scores each. Daniel Vadas scored twice with three steals and Milos Djanic had a goal with four assists. Br. Biglin recorded 10 saves in goal in three quarters of play.
Friday's nightcap was difficult for the Pirates as they dropped a 21-15 decision to Long Beach. Patterson again led the offense with four goals while Vadas and Wyatt Dingman each scored three times. Djanic and Rosado each found the inside of the cage twice. Augusta handed out five assists and Br. Biglin totaled 15 saves.
VC edged Sierra 15-14 to begin play on Saturday. Patterson continued his hot streak with eight goals and a pair of steals, including the game-clinching score in the final minute of play. Bötkös had a pair of goals and Evan Augusta scored once and dished out five dimes. Vadas pulled in three steals defensively and Br. Biglin turned back 14 Wolverine shots in the cage and recorded five thefts.
In the tournament finale, the Pirates pulled out a 14-11 victory over American River. Patterson finished the game with six more goals and Vadas scored twice with four assists. Bötkös drew four ejections in the game and Br. Biglin tallied 17 saves against the Beavers.
VC will finish the regular season in Chula Vista in the Día de los Muertos Tournament at Southwestern College Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.