Pirates Bring the Heat on Sophomore Night

The VC women's soccer team brought the heat on Sophomore Night Tuesday, defeating Oxnard 5-0. Five different players scored goals for Ventura and goal keeper Janessah Gonzalez posted the 15th shutout of her two-year career, moving her to No. 5 on the Pirates' all-time list. She was joined by center back Leslie Torres and midfielder Jazzy Moreno as the Players of the Game for VC.

The Pirates started out strong when Jennifer Ramirez produced the first real scoring chance with a shot on goal in the 14th minute. Three minutes later Ramirez hit another shot at the Condors' goal keeper that was fumbled, gathered by Cristal Vargas, and slotted into the net for a 1-0 Pirate lead.

In the 28th minute, Ventura connected on a beautiful set piece out of the corner with Valeria Lopez assisting a goal by Moreno. Five minutes later Klarissa Melgoza struck a 35-yard rocket past the GK for a 3-0 count.

On another corner kick in the 40th minute, Moreno placed a great ball that deflected off a header by Ramirez and was controlled and pushed into the net by Alondra Sanchez for a 4-0 Ventura lead at halftime.

In the 56th minute, Kaila Tillquist became the fifth Pirate goal scorer, slotting a cross from Kameron Rodriguez into the net for the final margin.

The Pirates controlled the pace for the entire contest, recording 14 shots with eight on goal. Oxnard, meanwhile, had three shots, one on target.

With the Pirate win and a loss by Los Angeles Pierce, Ventura climbs into a second place tie with the Brahmas on the final day of Western State Conference play. VC will play a final non-conference match at Canyons on Friday Nov. 14 before the post-season begins next week.