Head coach Mary Giles might have her husband, Mike, to thank for one of the Ventura College women's water polo team's top players.

Carly Clark attended UC Santa Barbara straight out of Agoura High. After transferring back to Moorpark College, Clark was spotted at a local water polo game by Mike Giles.

"I owe him big time for that one," said Giles.

Clark entered last week with 41 goals and 11 assists to lead the Pirates (11-4), who improved to 3-0 in the Western State Conference mark by beating Citrus 13-9.

"She's a leader out there," said Mary Giles. "She directs a lot of the offense. She's amazingly positive."

Veterans Emily Allen and Mary Dugan are also important pieces. The 6-foot Allen had 18 goals, as well as providing solid hole set defense.

"She's a wall," said Giles.

Dugan is one of the team's most active players.

"She's ripped from head to toe," said Giles.

Another Marmonte League product, freshman Courtney Thomas (Westlake), is one of several players who provide production off the bench.

"We're a little deeper than I had thought we were going to be," said Giles.

Ventura needed it for Wednesday's trip to Glendora.

"It's always really hot and smoggy there," said Giles. "It makes it super competitive."