Pirates Claim Big Win Before Dropping Top-10 Match-Up

The No. 8-ranked VC women's water polo team continued their roll Saturday at the Mt. SAC Mountie Classic with a big win over Cypress 17-2 before falling to No. 5 Saddleback 10-6 in a tough tournament finale. Kendal Santos netted five goals to lead another balanced attack for the Pirates (10-3) as they stretched their winning streak to seven games before the afternoon setback. AnnMarie Patterson and Ella Montano each scored four times and Ahna Davis recorded 13 saves in goal.

Ventura 17, Cypress 2

VC had another fast start as Kelsee Espitia gave the Pirates the lead for good on the second possession. Montano followed with a pair of goals and Santos found the inside of the cage for a 4-0 Ventura lead through the first period.

Seven different Pirates scored goals in the second quarter as they opened up an 11-1 margin over the Chargers at halftime.

Montano led the way with four goals, an assist one drawn ejection and one steal while Summer McNabb scored three times with a steal. Espitia also netted three scores with an assist and two thefts while Patterson and Santos each scored twice. Santos also contributed three assists. Paige LeBaron had nine saves in the cage for the Pirates.

Ventura 6, Saddleback 10

In a clash of Top-10 programs, the Pirates held a halftime lead but could not hold it against the Bobcats in the tournament finale.

Santos netted an early goal for Ventura against Saddleback, and a pair of scores by Montano and a goal by Kendall Ribbers gave the PIrates a 4-1 lead after the first quarter. Both defenses dominated the second period as Santos was the only goal scorer for VC while Saddleback also managed just one goal. Ventura led 5-3 at intermission.

It was all Bobcats in the third quarter, however, as Ventura was outscored 5-1 in the eight minute span. Saddleback also netted a pair of scores in the final stanza to set the 10-6 score.

Santos finished with three goals, on assist, one drawn ejection nd a steal and Patterson scored twice while dropping one dime with a drawn ejection and a theft. Ribbers added three steals to her single goal in the effort and Davis totaled 10 saves defensively.

Ventura next opens Western State Conference play on Wednesday Sept. 27 at Cuesta. The opening sprint is scheduled for 5:30 pm.