Women's Soccer Shuts Out Hancock

The VC women's soccer team posted its seventh shutout of the season Tuesday night with a 2-0 victory over Allan Hancock College at the VC Sportsplex. Yareli Vasquez and Anna Escobar netted goals in the victory while Aracely Castro anchored the defense in goal. The Pirates (6-4-2, 1-2) produced 19 shots offensively with nine on frame.

Ventura was dominant offensively, once again, sending the ball in with numerous scoring opportunities. Sammy Zanini had a shot off the right side early, and then sent a cross to Karen Martinez for a redirect that was saved by the AHC goalie in the 14th minute. Zanini's centered a pass to Jacqueline Rivera in the 24th minute, and she settled and shot from 18 yards out, only to be denied by the side post. Yareli was spot on for the rebound, however, knocking the ball into the goal for a 1-0 Pirate advantage.

VC continued with the pressure, including a shot by Zanini from 15 yards out on the right side that sailed wide of the near post. Ventura maintained a 1-0 lead at intermission.

Zanini seemed to be in the mix all night, including a shot off a mishandled cross that went wide in the 52nd. She also had a strong run down the left side  with a deep cross in front of the net that also came up empty.

In the 74th minute, Martinez passed a through ball to Escobar just left of center. Escobar then hit a high shot over the retreating goal keeper's head and into the net for a comfortable 2-0 VC advantage.

Ventura made the lead stand up for the final 15 minutes of play to post the 2-0 result.

VC continues Western State Conference North Division play on Friday at Oxnard College. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 pm.