The Pirates' women's soccer team began the second round of Western State Conference play Friday with a 2-0 shutout victory over visiting Cuesta at the Sportsplex. Elisa Merlos and Eli Padilla each netted scores and Isa Garcia returned from injury to shutout the Cougars in goal. VC had a dominant performance with 17 shots with nine on target.
VC (8-4-4, 3-2-2) controlled the match from the beginning, producing several solid scoring chances, including one in the first minute of play. The Pirates broke through in the 21st minute when Andrea Ibarra hit a through ball to Elisa Merlos on the right side. Merlos then drove at the goal, slotting a shot just inside the far post for the 1-0 Pirate lead.
While Ventura would have more looks at the goal in the remaining time of the first half, they went into intermission holding the 1-0 margin.
The Pirates took the stress off the match early in the second half with Padilla scoring from the right side in the 52nd minute for her first collegiate goal.
Garcia took care of the rest for Ventura, holding the Cougars out of the net for the shutout win.
Emily Ramirez and Daisy Vaca each played solid games in the back for the Pirates, as well.
Ventura next travels to Santa Barbara on Wednesday Oct. 25 to take on the Vaqueros at 7:00 pm.