SBCC fell behind Ventura 4-1 in the second quarter and trailed 5-4 entering the fourth on Wednesday at San Marcos High before rallying for a 9-7 women's water polo triumph. The Vaqueros (14-12, 5-1 WSC) outscored the visitors 5-2 in the final quarter.
"This was an amazing game, arguably our best of the year," said coach Chuckie Roth. "We came out a little soft and were down 4-1 before we knew it. I called timeout and told them that now was the moment. In 45 minutes, this opportunity would pass them by.
"We had a great halftime and really stepped up our intensity."
L.A. Valley leads the WSC at 6-0 with one game to play in the regular season. The defending champion Vaqueros are one game back. Ventura fell to 15-13 and 3-4. The conference champion is determined partly by the regular season and partly by the conference tournament.
Addison Seale and Nicole Cosares had three goals apiece and Kendra Carr added two. Seale had two steals, including a key one at the beginning of the fourth quarter. She scored at the other end to tie the game at 5-5 and then the Vaqueros ran a special play with Carr scoring the go-ahead goal on an assist from Seale.
Goalie Mackenzie Richards had 13 saves and Rebekah Carey made two steals.
"We changed the momentum of the game and played with composure the rest of the way," stated Roth. "It was a true team effort with so much heart and determination. It was a great day to be a Vaquero."
Santa Barbara is 3-0 at home this year and 6-0 at home since the program started last year.
SBCC will play a tripleheader on Saturday in its Halloween Tournament at Santa Barbara High. The Vaqueros will take on Hancock in their final WSC contest at 10:10 a.m. They'll battle Saddleback at 11:50 a.m. and Southwestern at 1:20 p.m.
Ventura …….......... 3 1 1 2 – 7
SBCC ………......……. 1 2 1 5 – 9
Goals – SB: Seale 3, Cosares 3, Carr 2, Brooks. Goalie saves – SB: Richards 13.
