Pirates Have Little Trouble With Santa Monica

The VC women's water polo team closed out their 2019 home schedule in style, easily defeating Santa Monica 17-3 at the Ventura Aquatic Center. The Pirate sophomores received recognition before their final home game in the orange and black before dismantling the Corsairs from the onset, led by Lauren Mora with four goals, an assist and two steals. Cali Iadevaia, Drew Reyes and Masiel Martinez all scored twice in the balanced Ventura attack.

Ventura (12-8, 2-3) took the early lead with a goal by Shaeleigh Russell in the opening minute before the Corsairs tied things at 1-1.  That would be Santa Monica's last gasp as the Pirates scored the next 11 goals over the course of two-plus quarters of play. Mora had a pair of scores in the opening eight minutes as did Reyes, helping VC to an 8-1 advantage at halftime. Eight different players scored Ventura's nine goals in the second half en route to the 17-3 victory.

Iadevaia added three steals to her two goals while Ary Martinez had two steals, two assists and a goal. Raylynn Lipsky also scored once with a pair of helpers and two thefts and Delanie Lavacude-Klenck recorded two assists with a steal and a goal. Abby Coker, Chloe Golden and Annie Magno also scored for the Pirates. Shayle Barrus had three saves in two quarters played in the cage and Phoebe Murtishaw also turned back three SMC shots.

Ventura next travels to the Battle at the Beach Tournament hosted at Cerritos, Cypress and Long Beach. The Pirates will play their first two games Friday Oct. 25 at Cerritos, beginning with a contest against the host Falcons.