Vaqueros split on Day 1 of Ventura Tournament

SBCC used an 8-3 second-half advantage to defeat Miramar of San Diego 12-8 on Friday and earn a split on the first day of the Ventura Women's Water Polo Tournament at the Ventura Aquatic Center.

Fullerton, the only unbeaten team in Southern California (17-0), topped the Vaqueros 19-8 in the first game. The eight goals tied for the second-most scored against Fullerton this year.

Rocio Fesembeck tied her season high with six goals vs. the Hornets. Kaitlyn Wentz Fitzgerald scored a goal and drew five ejections for the Vaqueros (7-10). Maddie Brooks had three steals.

After trailing Miramar 5-4 at halftime, Santa Barbara went on a 4-1 run in the third period to take control. Fesembeck had five goals, four steals and five drawn ejections while Wentz Fitzgerald and Brooks added three goals apiece. Autumn Lovett had four assists and Alex Brown made 12 saves.

"We struggled a little scoring the ball, then Jessica Leathers gets a great goal just before the half, which boosted our morale," said coach Chuckie Roth. "Rocio scored two or three in the third period and I was proud of our resilience throughout the game.

"Alex played solid in goal all day and was the backbone of our defense."

SBCC will play two more in the Ventura Tournament on Saturday, taking on El Camino at noon and the Ventura All-Stars at 4:40 p.m.

SBCC ………..................  1    2   2   3 --   8
Fullerton …….………… 4    4   9   2 -- 19
 Goals--SB: Fesembeck 6, Brooks, Lovett. Goalie saves--SB: Brown 7, Lovett 3.

San Diego Miramar ….… 3    2    1   2 --   8
SBCC …………..…...…....... 3    1    4   4 -- 12
 Goals--SB: Fesembeck 5, Wentz Fitzgerald 3, Brooks 3, Leathers. Goalie saves--SB: Brown 12.