The No. 8-ranked VC women's water polo team held serve Wednesday, defeating Cuesta 11-7 in their Western State Conference opener in San Luis Obispo. Ella Montano netted five goals and grabbed six steals to lead the Pirates (11-3, 1-0) at both ends of the pool. AnnMarie Patterson scored three goals and handed out three assists in the triumph while Ahna Davis recorded nine saves in goal.
It was a defensive struggle in the early going as it took over four minutes of play before either team scored. Montano found the inside of the cage at the 3:31 mark of the opening period, and Kendal Santos scored for Ventura less than a minute later as the Pirates led 2-0 after one quarter of play.
Ventura's defense continued to keep the slate clean in the second stanza as the offense received two scores by Montano and a goal from Gabrielle MacNeill for a 5-0 advantage at halftime.
The third period belonged to the Cougars, however, as they outscored VC 5-1 to pull to within 7-5 with 2:07 remaining in the quarter before Montano's goal in the final minute opened a little breathing room.
Patterson responded to a Cuesta score early in the final period with back-to-back goals for a 10-6 VC lead with 6:04 left to play. Ventura held on for the 11-7 win.
Santos ended the game with a pair of goals, two assists and four steals and Emily Baughn scored once with a pair of dimes, a drawn ejection and two thefts. Kelsee Espitia handed out a pair of assists and grabbed two steals.
Ventura next hosts Los Angeles Valley on Wednesday Oct. 4. The first sprint is scheduled for 4:30 at the Ventura Aquatic Center.