VC Captures Two at Miramar

The VC women's water polo team captured a pair of contests Friday at San Diego Miramar College, easily defeating Southwestern 15-4 before outdueling Grossmont 15-12. Goalie Ava Carey totaled 19 saves on the day while grabbing three steals with a pair of assists for Ventura (6-1). Kelsee Espitia continued her hot streak with nine goals in the two games with five assists and two drawn exclusions.

Ventura 15, Southwestern 4

It was smooth sailing for the Pirates in the opener as they raced out to a 9-0 lead over the Jaguars in less than 11 minutes of play. Ella Montano and AnnMarie Patterson each scored twice in the opening quarter to pace VC and JoJo Thayne scored twice in the second period supporting a 10-1 halftime margin.

The Pirates kept Southwestern scoreless for the first seven minutes after halftime and easily coasted to the 15-4 victory.

Espitia led the way with three scores while Patterson, Montano and Thayne all scored twice. Caitlyn Hilgenberg, Haley Thompson, Mikela De Aguiar, Milla Malesich, Devin Varela and Bella Palacios each found the inside of the cage once while Carey anchored the defensive effort with seven saves.

Ventura 15, Grossmont 12

The nightcap was a battle with Ventura holding the upper hand throughout and the Griffins fighting and clawing the entire way.  Espitia and Hilgenberg scored early for a 2-0 Pirate lead before Grossmont tied the game with a pair of scores over the next two minutes. Patterson scored three of the next four goals and Montano added the other as the Pirates took a commanding 6-2 edge before Grossmont added a score at the end o fthe first period.

The Griffins scored again early in the second period leading to an Espitia goal with 7:23 on the clock to reestablish the lead. The Griffins answered on the next possession before Montano and Espitia each found the inside of the cage for a 9-5 Pirate advantage at halftime.

The teams continued the fight after intermission wit each squad scoring twice in the third quarter.

In a crazy final stanza, Grossmont closed to within 12-10 with 3:58 remaining before Espitia sandwiched a pair of scores around another Griffin goal to keep the Pirates ahead. Montano followed with the dagger to give Ventura a 15-11 edge with 1:48 left to play.

Espitia and Patterson scored six and five goals, respectively to lead to the Pirate victory. Espitia also dropped four dimes while Patterson handed out a pair of assists. Montano scored three goals with three helpers and five steals and Carey turned back 12 Grossmont shots in the cage.

Ventura finishes up their San Diego swing with games against Palomar and Miramar at Southwestern College in Chula Vista on Saturday Sept. 21.