Hancock Water Polo's Season Ends with 9-7 Loss to Ventura in WSC Tournament

Ventura's defense controlled the tempo in the second half to defeat the Allan Hancock College women's water polo team 9-7 in a first round game of the Western State Conference Tournament on Wednesday at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center. The Bulldogs, who were the No. 4 seed, finished the season 11-16 overall. The Pirates, who were the No. 5 seed, improved to 14-14 and advanced to the second round where they will face No. 1 Santa Barbara City College on Friday.

Hancock sophomore Makena Blanco scored the first goal of the game to give the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead. After Ellyn Clardy, Shannon Copeland and Alicia Reyes added one goal apiece, the Bulldogs led 4-2 after the first quarter.

Ventura scored the first goal of the second quarter, but Hancock regained a two-goal advantage when sophomore Clardy rifled the ball to the back of the net. The Pirates eventually tied it 5-5, but Copeland scored from inside to give Hancock a 6-5 lead at halftime.

Ventura scored the only goal of the third quarter sending the game into the final period tied at 6-6. The Pirates took their first lead of the game in the opening minute of the fourth and outscored the Bulldogs 3-1 in the decisive quarter.

Clardy led the Bulldogs with three goals, while Copeland added two.

Freshman goalie Shay McMann recorded seven saves for Hancock.

Freshman Maddison Stangl had three assists and two steals for the Bulldogs. Copeland added two assists, while Meagan Coyne finished with two steals.

The loss ended the successful careers of five Hancock sophomores: Copeland, Clardy, Blanco, Coyne and Allie Shea.