Behind a balanced offensive attack in which eight different players scored a goal, the Pirates' women's water polo team defeated LA Valley 11-5 Thursday afternoon in the Southern California Regional Playoffs in Glendora. Ahna Davis had 12 saves in goal in the first three quarters in the cage, then scored twice in the field in the final stanza to lead Ventura (21-10) to the regional quarterfinals and state-qualifying round on Friday.
After trailing 1-0 early, Emily Baughn and Kendal Santos each scored to give VC a 2-1 lead after the first period.
The Monarchs tied the game with a goal at the 2:27 mark of the second quarter before AnnMarie Patterson found the inside of the cage with 23 seconds on the clock to put Ventura ahead 3-2 at halftime.
VC took full control in the third stanza as Davis and the Pirate defense held LAVC scoreless while the offense generated four goals. Kendall Ribbers, Ella Montano, Baughn and Milla Malesich all netted scores as Ventura opened up a 7-2 margin headed to the final eight minutes of play.
Montano answered an early LA Valley goal in the final quarter and Davis followed with a pair of scores to put the game away for VC. Gabrielle MacNeill added the final dagger as the Pirates cruised to victory 11-5.
Baughn, Montano and Davis all scored a pair of goals and Kelsee Espitia handed out four assists to lead the charge. Baughn also contributed two drawn exclusions and two steals and Montano drew a pair of exclusions, as well. Paige LeBaron came on to record five saves in goal in the fourth quarter.
Ventura advances to the quarterfinal round of the regionals on Friday Nov. 10. The No. 6-seeded Pirates will take on No. 3 Saddleback at 5:45 pm at Citrus College in Glendora. This will be thr fourth game between VC and the Bobcats, with Saddleback prevailing in the previous three in hard fought contests. The winner of Friday's game will move on to the Southern California Final Four on Saturday Nov. 11 and also qualify for the 3C2A State Tournament Nov. 17-19 at the College of Marin.