Women's Water Polo hosted #8 Ventura to open their 2023 Western State Conference schedule and fell, 11-7. The Cougars played without two starters, including All State Star and leading scorer Chloe Porter, which took their offense was out of rhythm. In the first half, the Cougars suffered through a slow start and the Pirates bolted out to a big lead, 5-0, however the Cougars got back on track after the intermission. Freshman Driver Leanna Reed (pict-L) scored four straight goals to open the half and pulled the Cougars within two goals of the Bucs going into the final frame. Ventura's defense clamped down on Reed, which that freed Freshman Driver Hannah Kempf (pict-R). Kempf stepped up to post her first career "hat trick", however it was not enough to catch Ventura in a 11-7 loss. The loss dropped the Cougars to 7-7 on the season and 0-1 in Western State Conference play.
Women's Water Polo returns home this weekend to host the 24th Mechanic's Bank Women's Water Polo Classic. The Classic is one of the premier tournaments in the State and features many of the top teams in the State. The Cougars open the tournament on Friday (9 AM) with Top-ranked Santa Barbara City in a game that will also double as a Western State Conference (WSC) contest. The Cougars also play American River (2:50) to close the first day's competition. On the second day, Cuesta starts against #2 Riverside and closes the tournament versus #4 Saddleback.
24th Cuesta Water Polo Invitational
Friday, September 29
9 AM Cuesta v. Santa Barbara
10:10 Saddleback v. Long Beach
11:20 Riverside v. Santa Barbara
1:40 Cuesta v. Long Beach
2:50 Saddleback v. Riverside
Saturday, September 30
8 AM Long Beach v. Santa Barbara
9:10 Cuesta v. Riverside
10:20 Santa Barbara v. Saddleback
12:40 Long Beach v. Riverside
1:50 Cuesta v. Saddleback