Ventura Splits Pair to Close North vs. South Tournament

The VC men's water polo team split a pair of matches Saturday to close the North vs. South Tournament. The Pirates defeated host Merced College 15-7 in their first game of the day before seeing a comeback fall short at NCAA Division II UC Merced, 17-14. Owen Cugnoni scored 14 goals in the two contests to lead Ventura (2-1). Stephen McNaughten and Shawn Coyner shared time in goal with seven and six saves, respectively.

Ventura 15, Merced 7

The Pirates easily defeated the Blue Devils to win their second game to open the season. Cugnoni led the way with five goals and Scott Wagner scored twice with an assist and three drawn ejections. Michael Soho netted a pair of goals while Kyle Wagner handed out three helpers in the game. Rodriguez grabbed three steals defensively and Coyner stopped six Merced shots in the cage and McNaughten had three steals in goal.

Ventura 14, UC Merced 17

In the final game of the weekend, VC trailed 4-year UC Merced 13-5 at halftime before mounting a furious comeback against the Bobcats. Cugnoni scored four times in the third quarter and twice more in the final stanza en route to nine goals. He also handed out a pair of assists in the game. S. Wagner scored twice and Thomas Vels also had a pair of second half goals with an assist and a steal. McNaughten had seven saves in the cage for Ventura.

The Pirates next host the VC Alumni for a scrimmage on Saturday Sept. 2. The first sprint is slated to begin at 11:00 am at the Ventura Aquatic Center.