Pirates Start Fast, Hold Off Santa Monica, 14-12

The VC men's water polo team got out to a quick start Wednesday at Santa Monica and held off the Corsairs throughout the second half of the Pirates' 14-12 victory over the hosts. Andre Galvez netted six goals with a pair of drawn ejections and Jaeger Gonzales turned back 11 shots in the cage to lead the Pirates. Zane Herman added three goals with five assists and Anthony Ibarra also scored three times with three drawn ejections on the day.

Zane Herman broke the ice with a goal at the 6:57 mark of the opening period, and Galvez followed with three scores as the Pirates took a 4-1 lead in less than five minutes of play. VC led 4-2 at the quarter break.

The Corsairs came back in the second period, tying the score at 6-6 at the 1:51 mark before Ibarra and Galvez each scored to put Ventura ahead 8-6 at halftime.

SMC closed to within 9-8 midway through the third quarter, but a 3-0 run by VC with goals from Ibarra, Herman and Alexis Nava made it 12-8 with eight minutes remaining.

In the final period, Santa Monica attempted a comeback, closing to within 12-10 before Herman and Ibarra found the inside of the cage to turn back the tide and preserve the 14-12 victory.

Nava finished with four assists to go along with his third-quarter goal and Brayden Lauritzen also scored a goal with one assist. Gonzales also contributed three helpers from his goalie position.

The Pirates move to 2-0 in Western State Conference play with the win. They continue conference play on Friday Oct. 15 at Cuesta in the Cougars' two-day tournament. VC also plays Modesto on Friday before taking on Merced and Sierra on Saturday Oct. 16 in San Luis Obispo.