Men's Polo Dropps Close Decision in WSC Semi's

The Pirates' men's water polo team went down swinging Friday, dropping a 23-17 decision to Los Angeles Valley in the semifinal round of the Western State Conference Tournament at Citrus College. Evan Augusta and Owen Patterson each scored four goals in the effort while Michael Soho, Samuel Abarca and Thomas Shea each scored twice. Patterson also had three drawn exclusions and a pair of steals in the game for VC (12-12, 2-3).

In a fast-paced first quarter, the Monarchs jumped out to a 6-1 lead before VC began to show some signs of life. Patterson scored at the 3:45 mark  and Augusta followed with a goal a minute later to close the gap for Ventura. Abarca netted a goal with 1:13 on the clock to make it 6-4 before LAVC scored once more before the end of the period. Patterson and Soho each scored in the second quarter as the Pirates trailed 13-6 at halftime.

Augusta scored twice after intermission, and Patterson found the inside of the cage as VC trailed 14-9 with 5:21 left in the third quarter. Augusta, Patterson and Shea added goals late in the stanza, and Patterson scored again in the closing seconds to pull VC to within 18-13 with eight minutes remaining.

Despite a spirited effort, VC could not close the gap against the Monarchs as time wound down in the 23=17 decision.

Ventura will play in the bracket's third-place game on Saturday Nov. 8 at 12:30 pm at Citrus College in Glendora.  A win would give the Pirates their first .500 season in eight years.