Andrea Ibarra scored three goals Tuesday in San Luis Obispo to propel the VC women's soccer team to a 5-1 victory over Cuesta in the Western State Conference opener. Daisy Vaca had a goal and an assist and Aailyah Flores also scored while Savannah Sprinkle assisted a goal in the runaway. Sibella Donnelly went the distance in goal for the Pirates (6-2-2, 1-0).
Vaca got Ventura on the board early, netting a goal in the 11th minute from just inside the 18-yard box.
Right before halftime, Vaca assisted Ibarra's first goal and the Pirates led the Cougars 2-0 at intermission.
VC took a commanding lead in the 577th minute when Sprinkle hit a beautiful cross to Ibarra who's score made it 3-0.
After a Cuesta goal in the 59th minute, Ventura scored its final two gaols in rapid succession in the 70th and 71st minutes. Flores scored first, unassisted, from the right corner of the penalty box and Ibarra scored on the next attack to set the final margin.
The Pirates were dominant on both ends of the field, totaling 23 shots overall with 10 on goal. Cuesta, meanwhile, was limited to two shots in the game.
Ventura, ranked No. 18 in the latest CCCSIA state poll, will host No. 12 Santa Barbara on Friday Sept. 29. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm against the Vaqueros at the Sportsplex.