Pirate Men win have big weekend in Bay Area

The Priates' men's water polo team had a big weekend in the Bay Area Friday and Saturday, winning three of four games at the Bruce Watson Invitational at West Valley College in Saratoga. The triumphs were highlighted by a 1-14 victory Saturday against state No. 4-ranked Mt. San Antonio. Owen Patterson led the offensive charge with 26 goals in the four games and Bryce Biglin recorded a staggering 59 saves in the cage on the weekend.

The Pirates won the opening game Friday in spectacular fashion, defeating Ohlone 19-2. Patterson led the way for VC with seven goals and five assists against the Renegades while grabbing five steals. Boaz Biglin found the inside of the cage six times and grabbed four steals while Ravi Moolenaar scored five times with three steals defensively. Wyatt Dingman pulled in three thefts and Br. Biglin turned back 13 shots in the cage and had four steals. 

In Friday's nightcap, VC continued their strong play with a 24-12 triumph over Santa Rosa. Patterson was a beast once again with 13 goals and three assists. Thomas Shea netted three scores, as did Moolenaar. Dingman scored twice with four steals and five assists, and Bo. Biglin had two goals and five helpers. Br. Biglin recorded 14 saves in the cage for the first two quarters of play while Ethan Ortiz had nine stops in the second half.

Saturday, the Pirates, ranked No. 8 in the state, took on No. 4 Mt. San Antonio. In a knock-down, drag-out match, the Pirates came out on top of the Mounties, 15-14. Dingman scored the game-winner with 22 seconds remaining, assisted by Milos Djanic. Patterson and Patrik Bötkös led the balanced attack with three goals each, with Bötkös drawing three ejections. Dingman, Djanic, Shea and Bo. Biglin all scored twice. Dingman and Djanic also handed out three assists in the contest. Br. Biglin held down the cage with 15 saves and a pair of steals. 

In the final game of the weekend, VC dropped a hard-fought 13-10 decision to the No. 2-ranked hosts from West Valley. Daniel Vadas, Djanic and Patterson all scored three times and Br. Biglin netted the final score on a last-second shot. Moolenaar dropped a pair of dimes and Br. Biglin was solid in goal again with 17 saves.

Ventrua (14-6, 2-0) will resume Western State Conference play on Wednesday Oct. 15, traveling to state No. 10 Cuesta in a first place showdown.