It has been said that sometimes a team doe not get beat, they just run out of time. That was the case for VC women's water polo Wednesday as their comeback bid ran out of time against visiting Santa Barbara. The Pirates overcame a three goal deficit in the first half, and face another one in the second, scoring twice in the final minute of play to fall 10-9 to the Vaqueros. Fiona Watkins had four goals and eight steals to lead VC (5-2, 1-1).
Ventura fell behind 3-0 within five minutes of the opening sprint before getting untracked. Goals by Watkins and Lauren Mora at the 2:20 and 1:30 marks, respectively of the first quarter pulled the Pirates to within 3-2 at the quarter break.
While SBCC, who has won the last six Western State Conference tournaments, scored the initial goal of the second period, Ventura came storming back. Watkins scored twice within a two minute span in the middle of the stanza, with assists from Mora and Megan Findlay, as the Pirates tied the score at 4-4 with 3:13 remaining in the half.
Santa Barbara countered on the next possession to retake the lead 5-4 for the halftime break.
VC opened the second half strong, scoring on their first possession, another goal by Watkins, to even the score once again.
However, the Vaqueros scored three times over two minutes without answer to take control.
Mora found the inside of the cage from the post with 3:48 on the clock and Anna Lowe scored with three seconds left in the period as the Pirates trailed 9-7 at the quarter break.
Santa Barbara expanded their lead to three goals with a score at the 7:23 mark of the fourth quarter, but the VC defense held on from that point to give the team a chance.
The Pirates pressed offensively, but could not find the net until late. Mora scored on a 5m shot with 1:08 remaining, then found the cage with six second left, but time ran out on the Pirates in the 10-9 setback.
Mora scored four goals for the Pirates to go along with two drawn ejections. Kiran Shah had five steals defensively and Katie Falls turned back seven Vaquero shots. Lowe also grabbed fourth thefts while Sierra Cameron recorded three steals.
The Pirates return to the pool on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 and 2 at the San Diego Women's Classic. They will host the Ventura Tournament at the Ventura Aquatic Center on Oct. 8 and 9.