Making a trong run, the Ventura College women's water polo team ended its season at an even .500 after falling to Cuesta College 9-4 in the third-place match at the Western State Conference Tournament at Citrus College Saturday.
After a 1-1 first quarter, the Cougars posted a 4-3 halftime advantage over the Pirates (14-14). VC trailed 7-4 after three periods and faded in the final quarter in the season-ending loss.
Sophomore Cecily Loya led the Pirates with a goal and three steals while sophomre Brittany McWaid had a score and three steals. Freshmen Raquel Rodriguez and Melissa Robles each scored one goal and freshmen Reginae Maturion and Danielle Pfeifer handed out one assist apiece. Goalie Miranda Campos turned back 13 Cuesta shots.
An at-large playoff bid is unlikely for VC, who finished in fourth place in the WSC and with an even 14-14 record. The Pirtes will draw on the positives from this season to build towards next year as they hope to reclaim the Western State Conference.