Published on October 15, 2009
Zack Poisal
Staff writer
The Ventura College men’s water polo team played hard-nose, lock down defense on their way to an 8-7 victory over Cerritos College at home.
The first half of the game between the Falcons and Pirates was a defensive struggle to say the least, while the Pirates held on a 3-2 at the half.
Sophomore Mike Crowley chipped into Ventura’s first half lead, scoring two of the three goals.
The Pirates’ Tyler McClure was determined to make sure they wouldn’t lose their lead from the first half. McClure scored back-to-back to end the third quarter and push the Pirates’ lead over the Falcons by two, 6-4.
Pirate head coach Mark Schmidt believed that his team was not able to create ways to score on offense, and stated that this is something they need to improve on.
“(We) didn’t create shots very well, clearly,” McClure said. “(We) need to work on that.”
The struggle to get open looks was still apparent in the final quarter, when the Pirates lost their lead and were tied at seven with five minutes left in the game.
McClure stepped up once again, scoring the go-ahead goal with 3:30 left on the clock which proved to be the game-winner, as the Pirates held on to win 8-7.
McClure thought that they could have played better, but was happy to come out with the win.
“It was a little sloppy, compared to what we use to do,” said McClure. “(We) came out with a win so that is always good.”