The VC women's soccer team was locked in a defensive battle Saturday afternoon against Hartnell in the finale of the New Balance Community College Showcase at the Sportsplex. Unfortunately, the Panthers managed to score one goal to defeat the Pirates, 1-0. Ventura's back line of Daisy Vaca, Jillian Smith, Desire Lopez and Jessica Aguilar all had solid efforts in front of goal keeper Sibella Donnelly in a scoreless first half.
Neither team was able to generate many scoring chances in the first half. Midway through the period, the Panthers did hit a pair of shots off the crossbar and another over, but VC's back line on defense held fast and kept Hartnell out of the net. On the other end of the pitch, the Pirates were also unable to generate any offensive opportunities and the contest went to halftime at 0-0.
Hartnell took advantage of VC's high back line with a ball over the top in the 53rd minute of play. The Panthers' midfielder then took the ball and defeated Ventura goalkeeper Janessah Gonzales 1-on-1 for the 1-0 advantage.
VC (1-1-1) had some chances to find the equalizer, none better than when Jazzy Moreno sent a centering pass to Lex Sahagian, whose shot sailed over the goal. Moments later Moreno had an inside line but the Hartnell goalkeeper recorded the save inside the near post.
Hartnell dominated the midfield throughout the contest to hold VC to just six shots, three on goal. The Pirates were equally as strong defensively, allowing five shots, two on target, but unfortunately gave up the lone goal.
The Pirates will travel to the Bay Area in the coming week, playing at Evergreen Valley in San Jose on Wednesday Sept. 4 before playing in Saratoga at West Valley on Friday Sept. 6. Ventura returns home on Tuesday Sept. 10 hosting Rio Hondo at 7:00 pm.