Vaqueros use balance to knock off Ventura 11-8 in WSC semifinal

Allison Kay had two goals and two assists on Friday as No. 2 SBCC pulled away from Ventura for an 11-8 women's water polo victory in the WSC Tournament semifinals at L.A. Valley.

Four Vaqueros scored two goals each – Kay, Taylor Brooks, Madison Wayman and Bleu Ricketts -- and seven scored in the game. The Vaqueros, ranked No. 2 in the state, have won six straight and 10 of the last 11 to improve to 27-4 and 7-0 in conference.

Brooks boosted her state-leading goal total to 116 and needs eight more to pass SBCC's single-season leader, Emma Fraser, who poured in 123 last year.

It was the 39th straight WSC triumph for SBCC, which is seeking its sixth straight WSC crown. The Vaqueros will take on No. 5 Citrus (26-6) in Saturday's final at 2:45 p.m. Citrus edged L.A. Valley 12-9 on Friday.

Goalie Zoe Johnson had five saves, four steals and an assist for Santa Barbara.

"We had a lot of people step up today," said Vaquero coach Chuckie Roth. "Lanie Acevedo, Madison Wayman, Bleu Ricketts and Hana Wigzell all had at least one goal and that shows our depth."

The Vaqueros led 4-3 at halftime and 7-5 after three quarters. Wigzell, Brooks and Kay scored in the first 2:20 of the final period to stretch the lead to 10-5.

"Annie Ackert and Taylor Brooks both defended great and also contributed on offense," said Roth. "I think today's game puts us in a great position to be successful tomorrow. This group is well prepared and I'm really proud to be coaching them."