Pirate Offense Kicks Into Gear In Home Opener

The VC women's soccer team kicked their offense into high gear Thursday, defeating Golden West 4-0 to end the first day of the New Balance Community College Showcase at the VC Sportsplex. Justice Jones scored twice to lead Ventura (2-0) while Alix Tirado netted a score with an assist in the victory. Aaliyah Lopez and Kambria Haughton each played a half in goal to earn the shutout.

The teams were scoreless for much of the first half. In the 35th minute, Valerie Hernandez took a free kick from 40-yards out, sending the ball into the box. Tirado settled in front of the goal, turning and slotting a rocket from 10-yards out past the Rustlers' goal keeper for the first score of the game.

Eight minutes later, Tirado hit a shot from just outside the box on the left side that hit the crossbar and bounced out. Jones took the rebound and hit a two-touch shot over the goalies outstretched arms inside the far post for a 2-0 Ventura lead.

For the second straight game, the Pirates scored early in the second half.  In the 48th minute Thursday, Valerie Hernandez won a ball at midfield and sent a lead pass through to Jones running down the right side. Jones then beat the keeper with another looping shot into the back of the net for a 3-0 advantage.

Sasha Franco finished the scoring in the 74th minute with another high shot from just inside the penalty box on the left side, assisted by Tiffany Hernandez.

Defenders Ashley Tiscareno and Desiree Tanner each turned in solid performances in the back of the VC defense while Lopez and Haughton recorded four and two saves in goal, respectively. The Pirates totaled nine shots on the night, seven of which were inside the frame.

VC returns to the Sportsplex on the final day of the New Balance Showcase, hosting West Valley College on Saturday Sept. 4 at 11:00 am.  Admission is cashless and fans can purchase tickets online (https://ventura.vbotickets.com/events).