VC Drops Hard-Fought Contests at Saddleback Tourney

Continuing to show their fight and determination, the Pirates' men's water polo team dropped a pair of hard-fought contests to conclude the Saddleback Tournament on Saturday in Mission Viejo. VC fell to El Camino 16-10 in the first game of the day before having their comeback fall just short against Modesto, 14-13 in the tournament finale. Ryan Reardon and Austin Brunk and Brandyn Robles each netted five goals on the day for VC (6-5, 1-1).

Ventura 10, El Camino 16
The Pirates outscored the Warriors 5-2 in the second quarter to hold a 7-5 advantage at halftime. Ventura held a 9-8 lead when Brandon Berce scored with 1:56 remaining in the third period before El Camino outscored VC 8-1 in the final nine minutes of play. Brunk, Robles, Zach Ziegler and Gabriel Ibarra all found the back of the cage twice. Bence and Reardon also scored in the game for VC.

Ventura 13, Modesto 14
Ventura trailed 7-3 at halftime and were behind 12-7 in the final minute of the third quarter before beginning their comeback. Brunk netted a score on the final possession of the third quarter and VC outscored the Pirates from the Central Valley 5-2 in the final stanza, but rally fell just short.

The Pirates resume Western State Conference play on Wednesday Oct. 9 at home against Santa Monica. The game begins at 2:00 pm at the Ventura Aquatic Center.