Ventrua Races Past Mesa to Start Tourney

The VC women's water polo team raced to a 9-2 halftime lead in their 12-7 victory over San Diego Mesa Thursday to start the Ventura Tournament at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Ella Montano had three first half goals while Kelsee Espitia scored twice in the opening 16 minutes to pace the Pirates (13-3, 2-0). Gabrielle MacNeill ended the game with three scores and Paige LeBaron came off the bench to record 11 saves in goal in the triumph.

Ventura, ranked No. 8 in the state, took the quick lead when Espitia assisted a goal by Montano, drew an exclusion, then scored her own goal, unassisted, just 1:11 into the game. In the final minute of the first quarter, Espitia made a pass to Kendall Ribbers for the score, then Montano found the inside of the cage again for a 4-1 VC edge.

Ribbers assisted Monatno's third goal a minute into the second period, and MacNeill scored with 5:58 on the clock for the 6-1 lead. AnnMarie Patterson, Espitia and Jessica Garcia all netted goals for Ventura's 10-2 halftime lead.

Playing in their second of six games over a four-day span, the Pirates subbed liberally in the second half, but maintained their advantage. Kendal Santos scored in the third period, and MacNeill added two fourth-quarter goals to set the final margin.

Ahna Davis allowed two scores while saving nine shots in goal in the first half of play for VC. Patterson added three drawn exclusions and a steal to her game and Ribbers recorded a pair of drawn exclusions with an assist. JoJo Thayne dropped a pair of dimes in the contest.

The Pirates continue play at the Ventrua Aquatic Center on Friday Oct. 6, hosting Merced at 12:45 pm and San Joaquin Delta at 7:00 pm. They will conclude the Ventura Tournament on Saturday Oct. 7 against Golden West at 10:45 amd and Mt. San Antonio at 4:45 pm.