Ventura 48, Hancock 19
SCFA Northern Conference
Hancock 7 0 0 12 --19
Ventura 7 21 0 20 --48
First quarter
VC -- Sims 56 run (Brown kick), 14:16.
AHC -- Cathcart 26 pass from Tripod (Miller kick), 10:13.
Second quarter
VC -- Davis 6 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 11:28.
VC -- Sims 1 run (Brown kick), 6:58.
VC -- Scissom 1 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 1:09.
Fourth quarter
VC -- Kirkwood 15 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 11:21.
AHC -- Barnwell 60 run (kick failed), 10:45.
AHC -- Cathcart 7 pass from Tripod (kick failed), 5:49.
VC -- Kirkwood 34 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 3:39.
VC -- Reed 2 yd run (kick failed), 2:43.
AHC VC
First downs 18 17
Rushes-yards 44-216 47-233
Passing yards 164 152
Comp-Att-Int 31-13-2 24-12-1
Punts-avg. 9-31.6 6-39
Fumbles-lost 2-2 0-0
Penalties-yards 6-64 1-10
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING -- Hancock: Barnwell 15-137, Anglin 17-65, Lingsey 3-5, Tripod 5-5. Ventura:
Davis 15-95, Reed 13-80, Sims 18-55, Babola 1-3.
PASSING -- Hancock: Tripod 31-13-2-164. Ventura: Sims 24-12-1-152.
RECEIVING -- Hancock: Cathcart 6-91, Dudley 4-67, Anglin 2-5, Buhring 1-1.
Ventura: Davis 6-71, Kirkwood 3-60, Scissom 1-14, Head 1-6.
MISSED FIELD GOALS -- Brown: Brown 36, 36.
TEAM RECORDS -- Hancock 3-4, 0-3; Ventura 5-3, 2-1.

Moorpark 24, Chaffey 21
SCFA Western Conference
Moorpark 0 7 7 10 -- 24
Chaffey 6 6 3 6 -- 21
First quarter
CC -- Bryant 22 run (kick failed), 1:21.
Second quarter
MC -- Gant 6 pass from Shultis (Tafoya kick), 11:47.
CC -- FG 42 Layne, 6:09.
CC -- FG 30 Layne, 2:16.
Third quarter
MC -- Gant 26 pass from Shultis (Tafoya kick), 9:10.
CC -- FG 27 Layne, 7:18.
Fourth quarter
CC -- Bryant 1 run (pass failed), 3:30.
MC -- Gant 8 pass from Shultis (Shultis kick), 0:33.
MC CC
First downs 24 16
Rushes-yards 20-32 40-142
Passing yards 408 135
Comp-Att-Int 34-61-2 12-32-1
Sacked-yards lost 1-6 4-22
Punts-avg. 6-34.7 7-39.7
Fumbles-lost 1-0 1-0
Penalties-yards 11-131 10-177
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING -- Moorpark: Franklin 13-35, Pointer 1-1, Henderson 1-0, Shultis 5-(--4). Chaffey: Bryant 10-63, Madden 114-53, King 6-30, Lilly 1-4, Guidry 1-2, Lopez 2-0, Team 1-0, Ginolfi 5-(--10).
PASSING -- Moorpark: Shultis 34-61-2-408. Chaffey: Ginolfi 8-27-1-84, King 5-4-0-51.
RECEIVING -- Moorpark: Gant 17-238, Markham 6-90, Gentle 5-30, Morris 3-21, Franklin 2-12, Garcia 1-17. Chaffey: Caldwell 4-63, Barrera 3-27, Bryant 2-15, Payne 1-11, Lilly 1-10, Madden 1-9.
MISSED FIELD GOALS -- Moorpark: Tafoya 33, Shultis 38.
TEAM RECORDS -- Moorpark 6-2, 3-0; Chaffey 4-4, 1-2.

Game preview is here. Live in-game updates can be found here.

Hancock 7 0 0 12 -- 19
Ventura 7 21 0 20 -- 48
FINAL
VC -- Sims 54 run (Brown kick), 14:16 Q1.
AHC -- Cathcart 31 pass from Tripod (kick), 10:13, Q1.
VC -- Davis 6 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 11:28 Q2.
VC -- Sims 1 run (Brown kick), 6:58 Q2.
VC -- Scissom 6 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 1:09 Q2.
VC -- Kirkwood 16 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 11:21 Q4.
AHC -- Barnwell 60 run (kick failed), 10:45 Q4.
AHC -- Cathcart 7 pass from Tripod (kick failed), 5:49, Q4.
VC -- Kirkwood 34 pass from Sims (Brown kick), 3:39 Q4.
VC -- Reed 2 run (Brown kick) 2:43, Q4

Moorpark 0 7 14 -- 24
Chaffey 6 6 9 -- 21
FINAL
CC -- Bryant 26 run (kick blocked), 1:21 Q1.
VC -- Gant 6 pass from Shultis (Tafoya kick), 11:47 Q2.
CC -- FG 42 Layne, 6:09 Q2.
CC -- FG 30 Layne, 2:16 Q2.
VC -- Gant 26 pass from Shultis (Tafoya kick), 9:10 Q3.
CC -- FG 27 Layne, 7:18 Q3.
VC -- FG Shultis 27, 10:38 Q4.
CC -- Bryant 1 run (pass failed), 3:30, Q4.
VC -- Gant 8 pass from Shultis (Tafoya kick), 0:34 Q4.

No. 18 Hancock (3-4) at No. 10 Ventura (4-3)
VC Sportsplex, 6 p.m.
LAST WEEK: Bakersfield 27, Ventura 24 (OT); Canyons 30, Hancock 27 (OT).
SERIES HISTORY: Hancock leads, 16-14, dating back to 1954. Hancock won 28-21 last year.
GAME FACTS: So close to the inside track in the Northern Conference, Ventura will attempt to recover from the heartbreak in Bakersfield in what should be a hard-nosed matchup with Hancock. Featuring QB Antavius Sims, who just went over the 2,000-yard mark in total offense last week, Ventura is No. 6 in rushing (193.3 ypg) and No. 3 against the rush (104.9 ypg). Featuring RB Ryan Anglin (95 att., 494 yards, 7 TDs), Hancock is No. 4 in rushing (200.1 ypg) and No. 5 in total defense (300.9 ypg). Don't let Hancock's 0-2 conference record fool, this is a test. WR Scott Cathcart (43 rec., 708 yards, 4 TDs) is a weapon, no matter the efficient Hancock QB, Gavin Kelly or Seth Tripod. Sims is No. 5 in rushing (168 att., 787 yards, 11 TD) and No. 14 in passing (126-of-205 passing, 1,344 yards, 6 TDs), which puts him No. 2 in total offense (2,131 yards). RB Mike Davis is No. 4 in all-purpose yardage (429 rushing, 274 receiving, 477 returns). 5 TD. DE Jon Lattimore is No. 2 in sacks with 7.0. LBs Kenny Breaux (70) and Brenden Daley (68) are both in the Top 10 in tackling. P Kyle Dugandzic, the Northern Conference special teams Player of the Week for the second time this season, is No. 10 in punting (38.1 ypp).

No. 11 Moorpark (5-2) at No. 17 Chaffey (4-3)
Panther Stadium, 6 p.m.
INTERNET BROADCAST: http://www.HomefieldSports.com
LAST WEEK: Moorpark 34, Long Beach City 0; L.A. Harbor 41, Chaffey 20.
SERIES HISTORY: Chaffey leads 3-1. Moorpark's lone win came in 1995, 25-14.
GAME FACTS: The first of two potential road tests to the Raiders' title credentials over a three-week span, this game features two Top 10 defenses. Chaffey features DE Joe Carter (4 sacks) and DB John Patrick (4 ints.). Moorpark is No. 6 in scoring defense (21.6 ppg), No. 9 against the run (120.9 ypg) and No. 11 in total defense (327.4 ypg). Only two teams have given up less first downs (109). FS Brian Baldwin has five interceptions, one of the lead, and SS Steven Cristobal has four. Moorpark leads Southern California in takeaways with 29 and have had 22 different players record a tackle for loss. Offensively, the Panthers, relying on QB Jeff Ginolfi (110-of-185 passing, 1,206 yards, 11 TDs) and a running game by committee, only average 20.3 points per game. Moorpark QBs Zach Shultis (116-of-198 passing, 1,324 yards, 10 TDs) and Dalton Botts (31-for-64, 330 yards, 7 TDs) have combined to throw for 1,687 yards and 17 TDs. WR Chris Gant leads SoCal in receptions (55), receiving yards (803) and touchdowns (13). RB William Franklin (72 att., 363 yards, 3 TDs) and RB Matt Gentle (74 att., 277 yards, 1 TD) give the Raiders a 1-2 punch on the ground. Freshman Frankie Estanol is No. 5 in punt returns (12.7 ypr, 1 TD)

Two of the Top 5 teams in the state will meet this afternoon when the Ventura College women's soccer team (11-2-2) visits host Fresno City (11-2-2) at 4 p.m.

The trip up Route 99 will be a homecoming for the lone Pirates' player from outside Ventura County.

Freshman striker Victoria Burnell had one of the more astounding careers in state history at Liberty High in Madera, scoring 211 goals in her four-year career, the third-highest total in state history.

"In the beginning, it was a little difficult, because I didn't really know anybody," said Burnell of her Ventura experience. "But it's been really fun. It's been a great experience for me. It's so exciting to play with all these great players."

Burnell, who scored an incredible 61 goals as a senior last winter, scoring four or more times in eight games, was also Liberty's Homecoming queen.

She made the trip north Thursday to give away her crown to the new queen.

Some childhood friends have put together an invitation to today's match on Facebook, so the road rooting section should be boosted by a large Liberty contingent.

"I'm guessing a lot," said Burnell.

Burnell's freshman season in Ventura has been slowed by a slightly torn meniscus. She has 11 goals and six assists in playing time limited by the knee injury.

"With her it's a matter of how many minutes she can play," said Ventura coach Steve Hoffman. "We leave it up to her."

Her contributions have usually been limited to 15 or 20 minutes per game.

"Every now and then it gets irritated," said Burnell. "I'm bummed that I'm going to have to have surgery after the season... But I'm still having a lot of fun playing."

Combining for 33 goals and 23 assists in 15 games, the attacking trident of Victoria Burnell, Monique Orocio and Yadira Yoraya have kept the Ventura College women's soccer team a dangerous attacking team after the graduation of Jazmarae Strozier.

But the Pirates have showed they are a force on both ends of the pitch this month, when they hadn't allowed a goal entering Friday's loss at Fresno City.

Ventura's shutout streak, which includes seven complete WSC North matches, grew to 717 minutes after Tuesday's 5-0 win over West Los Angeles

A season-ending injury to fullback Susana Alonso forced Hoffman to shift to a 3-4-3 formation and a sweeper system, complete with marking backs.

With sophomore Taylor Steele (St. Bonaventure High) at sweeper and Evelyn Medina (Pacifica) and Kylee Haughton (Ventura) at marking backs, as well as reserves Katelyn Norris (Ventura) and Whitney Rosenheim (Agoura), the Pirates have been nearly impenetrable.

Ventura last allowed a goal Sept. 28, when Cuesta scored in the third minute.

"And that was a free kick," said Hoffman. "It wasn't even from open play."

Stung by rival Moorpark a year ago, Ventura (11-2-2, 8-0) has used its eight-match winning steak to move into position to regain the WSC North title, leading second-place Santa Barbara City (12-2-2, 6-1-1) by five points and third-place Moorpark (9-4-2, 5-2-1) by eight points

After a series of five-game heartbreakers plagued the early part of its season, the Moorpark College women's volleyball team kept swinging.

And now the Raiders (10-6, 5-0) are putting themselves in position to regain the WSC North title.

"We had a lot of hard luck early in the year," said Moorpark coach Steve Burkhart. "Sooner or later we had to make this change... I hope this puts us in the picture."

A five-match winning streak to begin conference play has included five-game victories against defending champion Santa Barbara City and at Cuesta in the past week.

Friday's epic 25-23, 23-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-6 win over the Vauqeros pushed the Raiders into sole possession of first place.

"The kids were fighters," said Burkhart Friday. "We just lost one of our best kids."

Sophomore outside hitter Shannon Pearson watched the game in a cast.

"It's just hard to replace a kid like that," said Burkhart.

Moorpark has leaned on freshman middle blocker Karissa Flack, who leads the WSC in block assists (56), is third in hitting percentage (.386) and fifth in kills (180).

"What can you say?" asked Burkhart. "She's just carrying us right now."

The aim has shifted for the Moorpark College football team.

Once looking to simply win a game, the Raiders are now focused for a title.

"We'd like to win the championship," said Moorpark coach Jim Bittner.

Having followed up its school-record 13-game losing streak with five straight wins, Moorpark (5-2), debuting at No. 22 in the state poll this week, is atop the new Western Conference alongside Los Angeles Harbor at 2-0.

The Raiders are wins at Chaffey (4-3, 1-1) Saturday and against Citrus (1-6, 0-2) from a potential Western Division title game Nov. 13 at Harbor (5-2, 2-0).

You'd think clinching a .500 record would be enough for a team coming off its first winless season.

"We're never satisfied," said Bittner. "I realize we've done well. With the exception of an official's call we would have six straight wins. This team has gotten better and better and better. That's what happens in Raider football."

Raider football, an endangered species in recent years, is thriving again.

"If you can bring a group together, one that's fairly talented and can play together, you have a chance," said Bittner. "That's what's going on here. The freshmen have gelled with the sophomores. We have a real football team here."

Saturday's 34-0 shutout of Long Beach City was one of the more impressive defensive performances in recent years for the Moorpark College football team.

Without injured defensive tackle DeAndre Robinson, end Clint Abraham moved over to plug the spot and Moorpark didn't miss a beat.

"The next guy stepped in," said defensive coordinator Mike Stuart. "The (defensive) line did a great job shutting down the run."

Defensive end Connor Benado had 11 tackles and an interception. Linebacker Nick Bruce had 10 tackles. Playing the 4-3 Stuart learned at USC and Fresno State, Moorpark has excelled since giving up 44 points in a season-opening loss at Ventura.

The front is No. 9 against the run and the secondary, featuring safeties Brian Baldwin and Steven Cristobal, are the playmakers of a unit leading Southern California with 29 takeaways.

Baldwin, a Camarillo High product, has five interceptions. Cristobal has four.

"Our DBs are just playing lights out right now," said Stuart. "Brian is one of our better tacklers, too. In our Cover 3, Steven plays the deep middle better than anyone."

The Ventura College football team was 11 minutes from one of the biggest wins in school history Saturday when the roof caved in at No. 2-ranked Bakersfield, which scored the final 17 points of a 27-24 overtime win.

Canyons also beat Hancock in overtime, 30-27. If the two overtime games in the Northern Conference had gone the other way Saturday, Ventura (4-3, 1-1) would be atop the standings alone this week.

Back-to-back road wins at the No. 11 and No. 7-ranked teams in the nation might have been one of best two-game stretches in school history. Ventura has only beaten Bakersfield in there of 30 meetings all-time since 1932.

But perhaps the most heartening aspect of the postgame for Pirates fans wasn't how close the team had come to greatness. It was how sure the coaching staff was of eventually reaching it.

"We will bounce back," said Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian.

Chris Gant, Moorpark College's star sophomore receiver, is threatening most of the receiving section of the Raiders' record book.

The sophomore from Alemany, who caught 64 passes for 811 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman, continues to lead Southern California in receptions (55), receiving yardage (803) and touchdowns (13).

His 16 catches against Hancock Sept. 18 set the single-game school record. He set the school's career receptions mark with his 101th grab, breaking Dan Russell's 25-year-old mark, on a 39-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter of the win over Santa Barbara City on Sept. 25.

He is 11 catches and 285 yards away from besting Isaiah Mustafa's 66-catch, 1,086-yard campaign in 1994 and just 115 yards away from Russell's career yardage mark.

Mustafa, a Santa Clara High product who went on to play at Arizona State, is best known now as the "Man Your Man Could Smell Like" in the series of Old Spice commercials.

TD catch records are tougher to find, but Shayne Sobel caught 18 TD passes from Farhaad Azimi in 1999. No player in the state has caught more TD passes in the 11 seasons that followed and Bittner believes it to be a school record.

The Oxnard College men's soccer team had waited patiently for its rematch with Santa Barbara City.

For nearly 90 minutes, the Condors waited for the opportunity to wrestle away first place in the Western State Conference. And when the chance came, only the crossbar could stop Salvador Mendoza's sliding strike with two minutes to play.

The fickle bounce off the bar meant the top two teams in the WSC men's soccer race played to a scoreless draw Tuesday night at La Playa Stadium.

"I knew at halftime," said Oxnard coach Ross Greaney, "it may take 30 or 45 minutes until it would open up and we'd get that chance to score."

It came when David Torres whipped in a far-post cross, which Mendoza scooped onto the woodwork in the 88th minute.

"Unfortunately," added Greaney, "it was not our day."

The result maintained the one-point lead first-place Santa Barbara City (12-1-2, 7-0-2) brought in and snapped the Condors' six-game WSC winning streak.

Oxnard (8-3-5, 7-1-1) had clawed back into the race by outscoring its opponents 25-7 since a 1-0 loss to Santa Barbara on Oct. 1.

Five matches remain.

"We're still in it," said Greaney. "It was a very physical game. Both teams had their chances."

Freshman Nicole Rietveld finished fourth overall as the Moorpark College women's cross-country team finished runner-up to defending state champion Glendale at the Western State Conference championships Tuesday afternoon at Crescenta Valley Park.

Rietveld finished the course in 19 minuters, 37.50 seconds. Teammates Andrea Barrera (15th, 20:27), Alexis Pichardo (16th, 20:43) and Ashley Hamilton (17th, 20:44) finished in a pack less than a minute later.

Carissa Arce (13th, 20:26) and Victoria Olaiz (25th, 21:47) led the Ventura women to a surprise fifth-place finish.

"To a woman, they ran tough," said Ventura coach Tony Veney.

Jessica Serrano finished 20th (20:57) for eighth-placed Oxnard.

Cody Kempema finished in sixth place (21:03) as the Ventura College men finished fourth.
"Cody ran an exceptional race," said Veney.

Community College women's soccer
Ventura 5, West Los Angeles 0
At Ventura
Ventura: Monique Orocio and Janelle Martinez had two goals and Victoria Burnell also scored as the Pirates kept their sixth straight shutout to build a five-point lead atop the WSC North. Ventura hasn't allowed a goal for 627 minutes.
Record: Ventura 11-2-2, 8-0 WSC North.

Moorpark 1, Santa Barbara City 1
At Moorpark
Moorpark: Lindsey McClellan scored the Raiders' lone goal, assisted by Kaylee Finnan.
Records: Moorpark 9-4-2, 5-2-1 WSC North; 12-2-2, 6-1-1.

Oxnard 10, Hancock 0
At Oxnard
Oxnard: Freshman Ashley Castillo and sophomore Ashley Arana had three goals apiece as the Condors reached double digits in wins for just the second time since 2000. Karina Salazar had four assists. Ces Montano had two goals. Maricruz Magana had a goal and two assists. Alma Izquierdo added a goal.
Record: Oxnard 10-5-2, 3-4-1 WSC North.

Community College men's soccer
Glendale 3, Moorpark 1
At Glendale
Moorpark: Alon Shivhon scored for the Raiders.
Record: Moorpark 1-9-4, 1-5-3 WSC.

Community College women's volleyball
Moorpark 3, Cuesta 2
(Scores: 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-20, 15-11)
At Cuesta
Moorpark: Moorpark swept the last three games to keep its conference record unbeaten. Karissa Flack led the comeback with 18 kills and six blocks. Alyssa Del Sesto had 10 kills. Jessica Soprano had 21 assists and 12 digs. Erika Smith had 21 digs.
Record: Moorpark 10-7, 5-0 WSC-North.

Ventura 3, Oxnard 0
(Scores: 25-17, 25-20, 25-12)
At Ventura
Ventura: Anne Westbrook had eight kills. Shelbee Younce had 17 assists and four aces. Sandra Alvarez seven kills. Katelyn Kwake 16 digs. Estephanie Cerda had 13 digs.
Record: Ventura 6-8, 3-2 WSC-North.

Women's volleyball
Cal Lutheran 3, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 1
(Scores: 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-19)
At Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Cal Lutheran: The Regals match the programs longest win streak at 23. With in a win in their next match, the Regals would clinch the conference title.
Records: Cal Lutheran 23-3, 12-0 SCIAC.

NORTHERN CONFERENCE
Bakersfield 27, Ventura 24 (OT)
Canyons 30, Allan Hancock 27 (OT)
Cerritos 36, El Camino 0
SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
Fullerton 26, Palomar 21
Mt. San Antonio 34, Grossmont 20
Saddleback 37, Pasadena 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Antelope Valley 31, Citrus 14
Los Angeles Harbor 41, Chaffey 20
Moorpark 34, Long Beach 0
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Orange Coast 37, Southwestern 10
Riverside 28, Golden West 20
Santa Ana 47, Desert 44
MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE
Mt. San Jacinto 45, East Los Angeles 38
San Bernardino Valley 49, Compton 10
Victor Valley 6, San Diego Mesa 0
PACIFIC CONFERENCE
Los Angeles Valley 30, Santa Barbara 24
West Los Angeles 26, Glendale 24
Santa Monica 40, Los Angeles Pierce 33
Games: 35
Bye: Los Angeles Southwest

On a wild night that went twice to overtime, Ventura was perhaps a play away from one of the biggest wins in school history and a handful of plays away from being the only unbeaten team in Northern Conference play. It will take a lot to respond from such a stinging series of events.

Week 7 Scores
Bakersfield 24, Ventura 21 (OT)
Canyons 30, Hancock 27 (OT)
Cerritos 36, El Camino 20

Week 7 Standings
Bakersfield 6-1 2-0
Canyons 5-2 2-0
Cerritos 5-2 1-1
Ventura 4-3 1-1
Hancock 3-4 0-2
El Camino* 0-7 0-2
*Forfeited four games for using an ineligible player.

Week 8 Schedule, Oct. 23
Hancock at Ventura, 6 p.m.
El Camino at Bakersfield, 7 p.m.
Cerritos at Canyons 7 p.m.

With its fifth straight win, Moorpark puts itself atop the conference race with powerhouse Harbor. Although a visit next week to Chaffey looms.

Week 7 Scores
Moorpark 34, Long Beach City 0
Los Angeles Harbor 41, Chaffey 20
Antelope Valley 31, Citrus 14

Week 7 Standings
TEAM OVERALL DIVISION
Moorpark 5-2 2-0
L.A. Harbor 5-2 2-0
Chaffey 4-3 1-1
Antelope Valley 2-5 1-1
Long Beach City 3-4 0-2
Citrus 1-6 0-2

Week 8 Schedule, Oct. 30
Moorpark at Chaffey, 6 p.m.
Citrus at LA Harbor, 6 p.m.
Antelope Valley at Long Beach, 1 p.m.

Bakersfield 24, Ventura 21 (OT)
SCFA Northern Conference
Ventura 14 3 00 00--00
Bakersfield 0 7 00 00--00
First quarter
VC -- Sims 7 run (Brown kick), 1:38.
VC -- Sims 38 run (Brown kick), 0:00.
Second quarter
BC -- Kolb 12 pass from Negron (Gallington kick), 3:23.
VC -- FG 30 Brown, 0:00.
Third quarter
BC -- FG 21 Gallington, 9:06.
VC -- Sims 7 run (Brown kick), 2:14.
Fourth quarter
BC -- Kolb 55 pass from Negron (Gallington kick), 10:16.
BC -- Oglesby 54 fumble return (Gallington kick), 4:56.
Overtime
BC -- FG 35 Gallington.
VC BC
First downs 18 12
Rushes-yards 36-117 36-36
Passing yards 242 181
Comp-Att-Int 22-39-1 14-25-1
Sacked-yards lost 9-49 4-32
Punts-avg. 8-41.8 6-42.5
Fumbles-lost 2-1 1-1
Penalties-yards 15-120 6-54
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING -- Ventura: Sims 34-121, Davis 2-(--4). Bakersfield: Dean-Johnson 12-32, Smith 9-25, Robbins 1-3, Negron 12-(--5), Campbell 2-(--8).
PASSING -- Ventura: Sims 22-39-1-242. Bakersfield: Negron 13-24-1-144, Campbell 1-1-0-37.
RECEIVING -- Ventura: Scissom 6-89, Rice 5-32, Anderson 3-51, Head 3-24, Brooks 3-23, Davis 2-23. Bakersfield: Kolb 7-162, Smith 2-7, Huge 2-(--3), Dean-Johnson 1-10, Negron 1-0.
MISSED FIELD GOALS -- Ventura: Brown 38.
TEAM RECORDS -- Ventura 4-3, 1-1; Bakersfield 6-1, 2-0.

Game preview is here.

Ventura 14 3 7 0 0 -- 24
Bakersfield 0 7 3 14 3 -- 27
FINAL IN OT
VC -- Sims 7 run (Brown kick), 1:38 Q1.
VC -- Sims 38 run (Brown kick), 0:00 Q1.
BC -- Kolb 12 pass from Negron (Gallington kick), 3:23 Q2.
VC -- FG 30 Brown, 0:00 Q2.
BC -- FG 21 Gallington, 9:06 Q3.
VC -- Sims 6 run (Brown kick), 2:14 Q3.
BC -- Kolb 55 pass from Negron (Gallington kick), 10:16 Q4.
BC -- Oglesby 56 fumble return (Gallington kick), 4:56, Q4.
BC -- FG 35 Gallington, OT.

Long Beach City 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Moorpark 0 14 6 14 -- 34
FINAL
MC -- Matt Gentle 19 run
MC -- Frankie Estanol 65 punt return.
MC -- Gant pass from Shultis
MC -- Gant
MC -- Henderson

No. 7 Ventura (4-2) at No. 2 Bakersfield (5-1)
Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
INTERNET BROADCAST: http://www.HomefieldSports.com
LAST WEEK: Ventura 28, Cerritos 21; Bakersfield 29, Hancock 7.
NATIONAL RANKINGS: Ventura No. 23, Bakersfield No. 7, in JC Gridwire national poll.
SERIES HISTORY: Bakersfield leads the series, 23-5-1, in a series dating back to 1932. The Renegades won 44-14 last year at home.
GAME FACTS: Ventura DE Jon Lattimore leads Southern California in sacks with 6.0. LBs Kenny Breaux (63) and Brenden Daley (59) are both in the Top 10 in tackling. But the streaking Pirates' defense faces perhaps its biggest test today. Bakersfield, the No. 1 scoring team in SoCal, is outscoring opponents by an average of 43-20. It is also No. 1 in turnover margin (plus 13) and penalties (46.0 ypg) and No. 2 in third-down conversions (43.6 percent). Both return groups are dangerous. Punt returner Leandre West (19.6 ypr, 1 TD) is No. 1 in SoCal. Bakersfield PK Josh Gallington is 8-for-8 on field goals. QB Lyle Negron (54-of-105 passing, 751 yards, 8 TDs) has thrown just one interception.
The Renegades will have to stop the Pirates' 1-2 attack. Ventura QB Antavius Sims is No. 7 in rushing (134 att., 666 yards, 8 TD) and No. 15 in passing (104-of-166 passing, 1,102 yards, 6 TDs), which puts him No. 3 in total offense (1,768 yards). RB Mike Davis is No. 3 in all-purpose yardage (433 rushing, 251 receiving, 408 returns). 5 TD. The game features the top two teams in red zone offense, with Ventura scoring in 88.0 percent of trips and Bakersfield in 87.9 percent.

No. 19 Long Beach City (3-3) at No. 17 Moorpark (4-2)
Griffin Stadium, 6 p.m.
LAST WEEK: L.A. Harbor 34, Long Beach 27; Moorpark 26, Antelope Valley 12.
SERIES HISTORY: The series is tied, 2-2. Moorpark won the last meeting, 32-16, in 2006.
GAME FACTS: Moorpark's four-game winning streak has been founded upon its reborn defense. The Raiders are No. 2 in takeaways (26), No. 3 in turnover margin (plus 9), No. 3 in first downs allowed (95) and No. 5 in rushing defense (114.2 ypg). Safety Brian Baldwin leads SoCal with five interceptions, including last week's game-sealing TD return, and Steven Cristobal follows with 4. But this group will get a big test with Long Beach QBs Tyler Tuiasosopo (63-of-102 passing, 820 yards, 8 TDs) and Gabriel Thomas (55-of-92, 555 yards, 7 TDs) and their speedy WR corps. Eight different Vikings have caught TDs. Whether its QB Zach Shultis (100-of-167 passing, 1,118 yards, 8 TDs) or QB Dalton Botts (30-for-63, 317 yards, 6 TDs) behind center Moorpark has the No. 6 passing attack (244.7 ypg) thanks to WR Chris Gant, who leads SoCal in receptions (51), receiving yards (740) and leads the state in touchdown receptions (11). RB William Franklin (54 att., 312 yards, 3 TDs) is averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

The 28-21 win over Cerritos Saturday was enough to make the pollsters sit up and take notice. The Ventura College football made its season debut in the JC Grid-wire national poll this week at No. 23

On week after winning at the then-No. 11-ranked team in the poll, the newly-minted No. 23-ranked Pirates (4-2) visit No. 7 Bakersfield (5-1) Saturday night.

Cerritos (4-2) slipped to No. 21 in the poll. Another Northern Conference team, Canyons, is ranked No. 20.

Click the jump for the full poll.

The middle of October is probably the dog days of the fall season, when physical and emotional fatigue begins to be a team's toughest opponent.

Which is why is was so important this past week when two local teams, the Ventura College women's volleyball team and Oxnard men's soccer team, saw their seasons revitalized by the type of comebacks they will never forget.

The Pirates found themselves in San Luis Obispo Tuesday trailing host Cuesta 14-6 in the decisive fifth set. Their coach, Mandy Rodriguez, had just been ejected from the match.

Yet somehow, with Anne Westbrook serving, Ventura ripped off 10 straight points to snatch the shocking road victory.

"It doesn't happen now, it doesn't happen at the college level for sure, and it doesn't happen against a solid team like Cuesta," said Rodriguez, who said the experience stands out as one of her "Top 4 or 5" in volleyball, as a player and a coach.

The host Condors found themselves down two goals and one man against first-place Hancock and its perfect 5-0 Western State Conference record Friday.

Goals by Dago Gonzalez and Mathayo Huma pulled Oxnard even, before former Pacific View League rivals Jesus Landeros and Javier Marquez teamed up for the winning goal with seven minutes to play.

"It was champion-caliber will and effort," said Oxnard coach Ross Greaney. "We worked harder than I've seen any team work."

Ventura had only won three of its first 11 matches, but Rodriguez saw a noticeable improvement in practice this week.

"It definitely pulled them together and showed them what they're capable of," said Rodriguez.

The highlight of the current five-game win streak has brought the Condors together, which was apparent by the way the entire team piled on itself after Landeros' winner.

"They were saying they were more tired from the celebration than by playing with 10 men for an hour," said Greaney. "It was a boost to the spirit of the team."

Oxnard (7-3-4, 5-1) only trails first-place Santa Barbara City (11-1-1, 6-0-1) with a trip to La Playa Stadium looming Tuesday.

"We've always had good effort and pretty good discipline," said Greaney. "But for a team searching for an identity, that was a pretty big boost, to be able to pull off that type of impossible comeback."

The first match of the home-and-home series which may decide the WSC North women's volleyball race arrives tonight in Moorpark, where the Raiders (8-6, 3-0) host defending champion and No. 10-ranked Santa Barbara City (14-4, 3-0)

"We've been coming together more as a team," said Moorpark sophomore Chelcy Westphal.

The Ventura College men's water polo team (4-9, 2-1) will be looking to come from behind in the WSC race after a 11-5 loss at Cuesta Wednesday, despite four goals from Spencer McGrath.

"We played them tight for almost three quarters," said Ventura coach Mark Schmidt. "They're just better than us right now."

But that doesn't mean the Pirates don't think they can turn the tables by next week's WSC championships.

"I've seen both sides of that," said Schmidt, whose team beat Cuesta three times last season before falling to the Cougars in the postseason.

Locked in a tie game midway through the third quarter Wednesday, the Ventura College women's water polo team used its defense to stay unbeaten in WSC play.

The Pirates (11-6, 3-0) shut out host Cuesta in the fourth quarter of a 8-5 win

"I'm a big believer in that, if you focus on defense, offensive comes naturally," said Ventura coach Mary Giles.

Sophomore Courtney Thomas scored in every period and drivers Samantha Ebberson, Lindsay Wolny and Eliana Guzman led the way defensively.

"Eliana's a lefty, so it's naturally easy for her to use her left to steal from a righty," said Giles. "It makes it easy."

Goalie Andrea Mallul also saved two four-meter penalty shots.

The win sets up a matchup of WSC unbeatens Wednesday afternoon in Ventura, when Citrus (12-11, 3-0) visits the Ventura Aquatics Center.

The winner will be the top seed in the WSC Championship Nov. 5-6 in San Luis Obispo.

In the first meeting Tim Hyde held with his defense, the Ventura College football team's first-year defensive coordinator wrote "TFL" and "sacks" on the whiteboard.

"That's what your job is right now," Hyde told his new team, unleashing the Pirates' defensive front as a disruptive force.

Through six games, Ventura (4-2) has piled up 58 tackles for losses. Only Mount San Antonio (62) and San Francisco (60), the state's No. 1- and No. 2-ranked teams, can top that figure.

"We're bringing coach Hyde's philosophy to life," said Ventura defensive line coach Ted Lawrence. "He puts defensive linemen in position to be successful and that's what they're doing right now."

Especially in the past two games, when Ventura has put together resume-building wins over National Division opposition Pasadena City and Cerritos.

"Every single member of that group had a huge football player," said Lawrence of the group's performance in Saturday's win over Cerritos without tackle Charles Boyd and end Danny Miguel. "There were only six guys out there playing, but every one of them made a huge play."

The group calls itself "rushmen."

"Linemen play offense," said Lawrence.

The leader is 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end Jon Lattimore, who has had six sacks and 10.5 tackles of losses.

"Lattimore is obviously the most physical imposing of the group," said Lawrence. "He's the biggest, strongest and fastest guy."

Tackles Wayne Blackwell and Kalvin Cruz made stops in the fourth quarter goalline stand.

Freshman defensive end Daniel Miller, a Thousand Oaks High product nicknamed "Gunrack" "for his arsenal of pass-rushing moves," said Lawrence, has also come of age in recent weeks.

His strip sack of Cerritos quarterback Kane Wilson in the final seconds of the first half set up Antavius Sims' key touchdown pass on the final play of the half.

Ventura College defensive end Jon Lattimore was honored as Northern Conference defensive Player of the Week Tuesday.

Despite being matched up against Cerritos preseason All-American tackle Fou Fonoti, sophomore from Lexington, N.C. had five tackles, including three for losses, two sacks, a fumble recovery and four hurries in Saturday's 28-21 win at Cerritos.

Trailing by 7, the Falcons took over on the Pirates' 23 with 1:14 to play, but Lattimore spurred the turnover on downs with a pair of sacks, including one to seal the win on fourth down.

Moorpark College's defense front may have suffered a huge loss in the Raiders' fourth straight victory, 26-12 win over Antelope Valley Saturday.

Defensive tackle DeAndre Robinson, a key playmaker who leads the team with three sacks and eight tackles for losses, left the game with a knee injury and didn't return.

"He's been one of the leaders of the Raiders," said Moorpark coach Jim Bittner. "He's just been a force on that defensive line."

Bittner expects Robinson to miss the rest of the season with a ligament injury, but Robison isn't so sure.

"When I talked to him, he said, 'I'll be OK for the next game.' " said Bittner. "But I don't expect him back unless there's some type of miracle."'

Beating the No. 4-ranked team in Southern California and No. 11-ranked team in the nation, according to JC Grid-wire, is one of the Pirates' biggest wins in recent memory.

"From my point of view, it was the biggest win in my 13 years at VC," said defensive line coach Ted Lawrence.

It moved Ventura up in both polls. The Pirates moved up seven spots in the Southern California poll to No. 7 and 11 spots in the state poll to No. 14.

Moorpark stayed steady at No. 17 in Southern California.

Click the jump for the full polls.

After enjoying his 200th career win Saturday, Moorpark College football coach Jim Bittner spent the weekend receiving calls and cards from well-wishers.

"I didn't realize there were that many people playing attention," quipped the veteran coach, in his 32nd year as a head coach.

Bittner wanted to make sure to publicly thank his wife, Margaret, and his family, for decades of support.

"She's always been heavily involved," said Bittner of his wife, who once worked diligently on the snack bar and is now the "brownies-and-cookie person" every Monday.

Bittner told the Star Saturday that he is planning next season being his last.

"The reason I've been stuck in that situation is that I'm always making a two-year commitment to a new group of players, I did the same thing for these kids," said Bittner. "Hopefully, we can do a good job of recruiting and come up with a great team next year."

Pac-10 release:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 21, 2010) - The Pac-12 Conference took major steps to transform itself into a dynamic new enterprise by forming two football divisions that maintain traditional rivalries, creating the first-ever Pac-12 football championship game, establishing schedule models for all other sports and agreeing to move to an equal revenue sharing plan for the first time in conference history, it was announced today.

The Chancellors and Presidents of the 12 member institutions voted to create a new North-South division structure that allows the conference to continue to play its traditional rivalry games, including the long-standing annual games among the California schools, delivers a football championship game to the home field of the top team in the conference standings and is easy for fans to follow.

"Our key objective was to transform the Pac-10 to a modern 12-team conference that has long term strength, increased value, competitive balance and is fan friendly and we have done that with these monumental decisions today," Commissioner Larry Scott said. "By unanimously adopting a plan for equal revenue sharing we have created a conference with a strong foundation for long term success. It's an exciting day for the Pac-12 and all of our fans."

"This has been a very thorough process that created a lot of discussion and has delivered results that we are all very excited about," said Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University and Chairman of the Pac-10 CEO Group. "The engagement we have received from all 12 member institutions and their Presidents and Chancellors has been tremendous. We have an ambitious plan for the future of our conference and all of that input was vital in allowing us to take these transformational steps."

The new divisions will feature California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington and Washington State in the North and Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, UCLA, USC, and Utah in the South. Each school will play five divisional games, and four cross-divisional games each year. To preserve all of the historic rivalries, including those among the California schools, the new scheduling format locks in annual inter-divisional games between the Northern and Southern California teams, that date back to the 1930s.

The traditional rivalries like Oregon-Oregon State (113 meetings), Cal-Stanford (112), Washington-Washington State (102), Arizona-Arizona State (83) and UCLA-USC (79) will continue to be played at the end of each season. Not to be lost, USC has played Stanford (98 times) and Cal (89) more than it has faced cross town rival UCLA (79). Meanwhile USC, Cal and Stanford tie as UCLA's most frequent opponent at 79 meetings apiece. The divisions were formed based on the combination of rivalries, location and competitive balance.

"Not only did we achieve a competitive balance in our divisions, but we were also able to preserve our traditional rivalries as cornerstones of our conference," Scott said. "These great annual battles have produced some of the most memorable moments in sports history. It was imperative that we kept them in tact."

The inaugural Pac-12 Championship game will be played in December 2011 at the home stadium of the team with the best overall conference record, ensuring a full stadium and an electric collegiate atmosphere befitting of a major conference championship game.

There will not be divisions for Pac-12 basketball or any other sports. In men's and women's basketball, the teams will play an 18-game conference schedule that will include home and home games with traditional rivals, six rotating home and homes and single play games against the remaining four teams in the Conference.

The press conference announcing the Pac-12 decisions was streamed live at www.pac-10.org, powered by Ustream. That webcast is available for further viewing at http://ustream.tv/pac10.

HomefieldSports.com is taking a poll that will determine which SCFA football game it will broadcast this weekend -- Long Beach City at Moorpark or No. 7 Ventura at No. 2 Bakersfield?

To vote, e-mail Eric Evelhoch at ErictheHawk@gmail.com with either "Moorpark" or "Ventura" in the subject line.

If the Ventura College women's soccer team has a say, Santa Barbara City may never see its time come.

Monique Orocio scored two more big-game goals Tuesday night as Ventura prevailed in a battle of Western State Conference unbeatens, 2-0, at the VC Sportsplex.

Santa Barbara, in search of its first WSC North title, entered play as the No. 13-ranked team in the national coaches' rankings, averaging 3.6 goals per game and 10-0 when scoring two goals or more.

It left chasing the Pirates, who are back on track for their 13th banner.

"Obviously, we felt like we should have won the league last year and we're still smarting from (being edged by Moorpark)," said Ventura coach Steve Hoffman. "But I told the sophomores before the season that they have a chance to make it right."

And they have responded, especially the Pacifica High product up front.

"(Orocio) is just on fire right now," said Hoffman.

Orocio, who had a hand in three of the goals in last week's 4-0 win over rival Moorpark, scored in the 11th and 65th minutes as the Pirates overcame a weather delay.

"It was hard to get back on track, but we did," said Orocio of the delay, which began when lightning flashed overhead in the 33rd minute. "Everyone worked together."

Her opener was assisted by freshman Victoria Burnell. For the secod, she took a pass from Whitney Rosenheim, beat two defenders and chipped the goalkeeper for a magnificent solo goal.

The first-place Pirates (9-2-2) improved to 5-0 in the WSC North, three points ahead of Santa Barbara (10-1-1, 4-1).

"Everyone else is playing catch up right now," said Hoffman.

Santa Barbara features striker Jessica Domennchelli, whose 13 goals are the fourth-highest figure in the state, but Ventura goalkeeper Raelene Moreno made six saves for her fifth straight shutout ahead of a backline shepherded by Taylor Steele, Evelyn Medina and holding midfielder Lindsey Armenta.

"There's nobody on their team that really troubled us," said Hoffman. "We're playing well right now."

Week 6 Scores
Ventura 28, Cerritos 21
Canyons 26, El Camino 9
Bakersfield 29, Hancock 7

Week 6 Standings
Bakersfield 5-1 1-0
Ventura 4-2 1-0
Canyons 4-2 1-0
Cerritos 4-2 0-1
Hancock 3-3 0-1
El Camino* 0-6 0-1
*Forfeited four games for using an ineligible player.

Week 7 Schedule, Oct. 23
Ventura at Bakersfield, 7 p.m.
Canyons at Hancock, 6 p.m.
Cerritos at El Camino, 6 p.m.

Week 6 Scores
Moorpark 26, Antelope Valley 12
Chaffey 20, Citrus 13
Los Angeles Harbor 34, Long Beach City 27

Week 6 Standings
TEAM OVERALL DIVISION
Chaffey 4-2 1-0
Moorpark 4-2 1-0
L.A. Harbor 4-2 1-0
Long Beach City 3-3 0-1
Citrus 1-5 0-1
Antelope Valley 1-5 0-1

Week 7 Schedule, Oct. 23
Long Beach City at Moorpark, 6 p.m.
Los Angeles Harbor at Chaffey, 6 p.m.
Antelope Valley at Citrus, 1 p.m.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEN'S SOCCER
MOORPARK 1, CITRUS 0
At Citrus
Moorpark: Adam Strikowski beat two defenders before finishing the only goal of the match in the 52nd minute to the Raiders its first conference win.
Record: Moorpark 2-7-4, 1-3-3 WSC; Citrus 0-11-2, 0-7.

OXNARD 5, CANYONS 1
At Canyons
Oxnard: Sam Nellis had a hat trick and Dago Gonzalez also scored goal as the Condors won their fifth straight WSC match, despite play being stopped twice for more than an hour. Only 61 minutes was played.
Record: Oxnard 7-3-4, 6-1 WSC

COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
VENTURA 3, CUESTA 2
(Scores: 19-25, 25-22, 16-25, 25-19, 16-14)
At Cuesta
Ventura: Shelby Younce had 31 assists and 26 digs, Anne Westbrook had nine kills and four blocks and Morgan Ehritt had 17 digs and Katelyn Kwake added 12 digs as the Pirates, down 14-6 in the fifth game, scored the last 10 points to snatch an incredible victory.
Records: Ventura 4-8, 1-2 WSC North; Cuesta 7-7, 1-2.

MOORPARK 3, HANCOCK 0
(Scores: 25-16, 25-17, 25-11)
At Moorpark
Moorpark: Karissa Flack had 15 kills on 20 attempts, Jessica Soprano had 17 assists and, on "Dig Pink" night, libero Erika Smith, who survived leukemia as a child, had a team-high eight digs. The event raised more than $1,200 for the Sideout foundation.
Records: Moorpark 8-6, 3-0 WSC North.

SANTA BARBARA 3, OXNARD 0
At Oxnard
(Scores: 25-21, 25-14, 25-19)
Oxnard: Andy Perez had 17 digs. Becca Simanu had 55 assists. Stacey Buijo had 10 kills and 10 digs.
Record: Oxnard 2-9, 0-4 WSC North.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
CAL LUTHERAN 3, WHITTIER 0
(Scores: 25-18, 25-21, 25-18)
At Cal Lutheran
Cal Lutheran: Megan thorpe had 16 kills. Allison Kerr had 14. Rachel Smith had 13 digs. Jackie Russel had 19 assists.
Record: Cal Lutheran 19-3, 9-0 SCIAC.

MeEN'S GOLF
GILLESPIE EARNS SHARE OF TITLE
At Royal Lakes/Oglethorpe Fall In
Cal Lutheran: Chad Gillespie shot a 72 Tuesday to finish the two-day tournament with a total score of 140. He finished in a three-way tie for first place. The Kingsmen took fifth place as a team with a score of 294 on Tuesday.

The Moorpark College women's volleyball team will host its annual "Dig Pink" night to raise funds and awareness for National Breast Cancer Month Tuesday at 7 p.m., when the WSC North co-leaders will host Hancock at Raider Pavilion.

The Raiders starting lineup includes libero Erika Smith, a sophomore from Newbury Park who overcame childhood leukemia.

The team's special "Dig Pink" t-shirts will be on sale. Funds raised will benefit the Sideout Foundation, originators of the national campaign.

With both community college football teams on the road today for their first conference games, you can follow along to our live updates on our Twitter page.

Ventura 0 14 14 0 -- 28
Cerritos 7 0 14 0 -- 21
FINAL
Cerritos takes a 7-0 lead on QB Kane Wilson's 17-yard seam pass to TE Lucas Mealy. Ventura QB Antavius Sims tied the game 7-7 with a 4-yard TD run. Incredible turn of events to end the half. Ventura DE Daniel Miller recovers a fumble on the C27 with 8 seconds left. Rather than attempt a FG, the Pirates gamble and go for the end zone, which results in a spectacular diving catch by WR Kordarius Rice for a 27-yard Sims TD pass on the final play of the half. RB Dezerek Reed's 3-yard TD run and Sims' 17-yard run gives VC a 28-21 entering the fourth quarter. The VC defense turned Cerritos away deep in Ventura territory three times in the fourth quarter.

Moorpark16 3 0 7 -- 26
Antelope Valley 0 3 6 3 -- 12
FINAL
MC took opening kickoff and jumped in front on a William Franklin 3-yard TD run. AVC fumbled the ensuring kickoff and Zach Shultis found Chris Gant for a 24-yard TD pass. Moorpark's Steven Cristobal blocked a punt for a safety. Shultis made a 22-yard FG. A Moorpark fumble just before halftime set up a short AVC field goal. Moorpark DB Brian Baldwin returns his second interception of the night for a key TD. Moorpark has won four straight.

No. 13 Ventura (3-2) at No. 4 Cerritos (4-1)
Falcon Stadium, 7 p.m.
TWO WEEKS AGO: Ventura 33, Pasadena City 29; Saddleback 28, Cerritos 24.
SERIES HISTORY: Cerritos leads 3-0, including a 36-35 win last year at Ventura.
GAME FACTS: The line of scrimmage is the focus as the Pirates open the new-look Northern Conference. Featuring RB Daveon Barner (58 att., 436 yards, 4 TDs), Cerritos is No. 2 in SoCal in rush offense (247.2 ypg) and Ventura is No. 4 in rush defense (104.8 ypg). Featuring QB Antavius Sims, Ventura is No. 6 in rush offense (210.8 ypg) and Cerritos is No. 3 in rush defense (100.6 ypg). Sims (86-of-138 passing, 964 yards, 5 TDs) is No. 3 in SoCal in total offense (1,520 yards) and No. 6 in rushing (113 att., 556 yards, 6 TDs). RB Michael Davis (397 rush, 225 receiving, 330 returns) is No. 2 in all-purpose yardage.
Stay seated when Ventura kicks off, as Cerritos is No. 1 in kickoff returns (29.6 ypr). Ventura LBs Kenny Breaux and Brendan Daley are No. 5 (48) and No. 8 (46) in total tackles. Cerritos DB Keith McGill is No. 2 (4) in interceptions with a 65-yard TD return.

No. 17 Moorpark (3-2) at Antelope Valley (1-4)
Marauder Stadium, Lancaster, 6 p.m.
TWO WEEKS AGO: Moorpark 39, Compton 7; Antelope Valley 31, East L.A. 17.
SERIES HISTORY: Moorpark leads 6-2 dating back to 1968. The Raiders won the last meeting 33-19 in 1997.
GAME FACTS: Behind WR Chris Gant, who leads SoCal in receptions (44), receiving yards (634) and leads the state in touchdowns (10), Moorpark is No. 7 in pass offense (244.2 ypg). But perhaps the most surprising part of the Raiders' turnaround has been its defense, featuring LB Tim McAnany (41 tackles, 4.5 for loss), DE Connor Benado (27, 4.5) and DT DeAndre Robinson (20, 7.0). Having forced 20 takeaways, Moopark is No. 2 in turnover ratio (plus 8) and No. 9 against the run (116.8 ypg). Zach Shultis (81-of-141 passing, 904 yards, 7 TDs) or Dalton Botts (25-of-50 passing, 284 yards, 6 TDs) are still sharing the QB position. Antelope Valley is averaging only 13.2 points and 267.0 yards per game, but the Marauders are coming off their first win of the season. RB Ron Scott (64 att., 349 yards, 3 TDs) gives AVC a ground weapon and Isaiah culver is averaging 25.1 yards pre kickoff return.

Jesus Landeros stretched to deflect in Javier Marquez's cross with seven minutes to play as the Oxnard College men's soccer team came from two goals and one player down to shock visiting Hancock, 3-2, Friday afternoon.

Dago Gonzalez and Mathayo Huma also scored second half goals as the Condors turned around a 2-0 halftime deficit despite being down to 10 players."

"We outworked them," said Oxnard coach Ross Greaney. "We worked harder than I've seen any team work."

The Condors piled up on the field after Landeros' winner.

"They were saying they were more tired from the celebration than by playing with 10 men for an hour," said Greaney.

A new system and a roster loaded with newcomers means the Moorpark College women's volleyball team is still waiting to come together.

Although the patient Raiders (6-6) are counting on the opening of divisional play this week to focus its play.

"We've lost a lot of close games, which is too bad," said Moorpark coach Steve Burkhart. "We're pretty solid. We've just lost a few five-game matches against some really good teams."

The Raiders had three match points in their five-game loss Sept. 23 at Irvine Valley, then ranked No. 3 in the state. They also dropped a five-game match to defending Western State Conference North Division champion Santa Barbara City at an early season tournament.

"Just kind of snake bit, but that's the sign of a team that hasn't had time to gel," said Burkhart. "We're focused on the conference schedule."

A pair of talented freshmen setters, Jessica Soprano (Buena) and Taylor Fredrick (Moorpark), has enabled Burkhart to go to a two-setter system.

"It maximizes our ability to have three hitters on the front row at all times," said Burkhart.

Moorpark's returners include middle blocker Chelcy Westphal, libero Erica Smith, outside hitter Morgan Vreeland and right side Breanne Metcalf.

Middle blocker Carissa Flack, a freshman from Newbury Park, leads the WSC in block assists (53) and is No. 4 in hitting percentage (.318). Outside hitter Shannon Pearson, a Thousand Oaks High product who transferred from Colgate, has also been a key newcomer.

Having opened WSC North play Tuesday with a three-game sweep of Oxnard, Moorpark visits Ventura tonight in search of its sixth-straight win in the cross-county rivalry dating back to Oct. 2007.

"We're not taking anything for granted, that's for sure," said Burkhart. "Nothing would make them happier than beating us."

In the Ventura College women's volleyball team, the Raiders won't find the biggest opponents, but maybe one of the scrappiest.

"We're very defensive," said Ventura coach Mandy Rodriguez. "We are a very scrappy and hardworking team."

The Pirates list 5-foot-10 middle blockers Sandra Alvarez and Kyla Hernandez as its tallest players. Key middle Anne Westbrook, the sophomore from Villanova Prep who leads the team in hitting, is 5-9.

But Ventura (3-7) has stayed in matches with its defense. Libero Katelyn Kwake, a freshman from Buena, entered this week third in the WSC with 183 digs.

"Our defense keeps us in games," said Rodriguez. "We're trying to become smarter offensively, that's how we're going to beat other teams."

The Pirates opened up WSC North play Tuesday with a three-game loss at WSC-favorite Santa Barbara City, but the toughest trip is now out the way.

Moorpark College volleyball coach Steve Burkhart received some good news this week when Cal State Northridge men's volleyball coach Jeff Campbell told him it former Raiders outside hitter Trevor Willenberg should make the Matadors as a walkon.

With middle blocker Kyle Auge (Royal) already at Northridge and star setter Adam Quinn (Oak Park) at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, the Newbury Park High product gives the Raiders three Division I players off last year's state championship team.

"Pretty impressive to have three D-1 kids off that team," said Burkhart, the Moorpark coach.

Quinn was excited to go to Fort Wayne, where he'll play for legendary coach Arnie Ball and learn from Ball's son Lloyd, who sets for the U.S men's Olympic team.

"He might be the best player in the world right now," said Burkhart. "That's just going to be awesome for Adam. Pretty exciting stuff."

The Moorpark College women's volleyball team also has several alumni at four-year schools, including Una Siljegovic (Cal State Northridge), Olivia White (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Rachel Olinyk and Shakila Balhki (Missouri Southern) and Savannah Thomas (UC Riverside).

"We've had some really great kids come through these last couple years and they're all knocking it out," said Burkhart.

Community College men's soccer
Oxnard 6, Glendale 1
At Oxnard
Oxnard: Sam Nellis had three goals and an assist, Jesus Lopez had two goals and one assist and Jonathan Reese also had a goal and an assist. The Condors led 3-0 at the half.
Records: Oxnard 5-3-4, 4-1 WSC.

Moorpark 2, Santa Barbara City 2
At Moorpark
Moorpark: Kevin Staley gave the Raiders a third-minute lead and Alon Shivhon headed in the equalizer from Sebastian Rodriguez's free kick in the 50th minute as Moorpark spoiled the Vaqueros perfect WSC record.
Records: Moorpark 1-7-3, 0-3-2 WSC; Santa Barbara City 9-1-1, 4-0-1.

Community College women's soccer
Ventura 4, Moorpark 0 FINAL
Oxnard at Santa Barbara City

Community College women's volleyball
Oxnard at Moorpark
Ventura at Santa Barbara City

Oxnard College has hired former UC Santa Barbara All-American and AVP professional Brooke (Niles) Hanson as assistant coach of its women's volleyball team.

The Calabasas High graduate and Ventura resident, who also served UCSB as an assistant coach from 2003 to 2007, played every position but middle blocker during her four-year career on Isla Vista. Her bio on the UCSB website calls her "one of the most versatile players in Gaucho history."

"I've been looking for the right opportunity to get back into it," said Hanson. "I have an opportunity be part of something and build a program. It seemed like a good fit."

On the AVP pro tour, Hanson was named "Best Defender" for the 2009 season. She has partnered, among others, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh and Olympian Logan Tom.

"Brooke will bring a wealth of professional experience and will act as a great mentor for all of our student-athletes," said Oxnard athletic director Jonas Crawford in a release.

After an 0-6 start, the Condors, led by head coach David Fischer, won back-to-back matches against West Los Angeles and Antelope Valley last week.

"Obviously, it's not known as a volleyball powerhouse, but I don't see how it can't be," said Hanson of Oxnard. "We are in a good area.

"We actually have a good group of girls right now. They just haven't had a lot of experience."

Every goal scored during the month of October will have even more meaning for the Ventura College women's soccer team.

The Pirates are collecting pledges for every goal they score during their "Score for the Cure" breast cancer drive. Local high schools, including Buena, Ventura, Pacifica, Camarillo, Rio Mesa and St. Bonaventure High, are also participating in the program.

Ventura is also selling t-shirts with their "Score for the Cure" logo.

The month-long drive will culminate with the Nov. 2 home match against Oxnard College, when the Pirates will auction off their special pink jerseys. Other auction items will include shirts of international stars like Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez.

All proceeds will go to the Community Memorial Hospital cancer center.

The Oxnard College men's soccer team will face cross-county rivals Moorpark today at 4 p.m. It is the first Ventura County derby since the Raiders knocked the Condors out of the playoffs last year with a 1-0 win in the regional quarterfinals.

"It should be a good game," said Oxnard coach Ross Greaney. "Moorpark always plays tough defense against Oxnard. And I think we're ready. I think we're coming together as a team, finally."

Greaney said this afternoon isn't an opportunity to avenge last year's playoff loss.

"It's a completely different group of guys, except for a couple," said Greaney. "This is more about staying in the conference race for this year."

Ventura freshman Carissa Arce was named the VC Student-Athlete of the Week. The cross-country runner from Oxnard High won the four-team Bakersfield Invitational Friday, finishing the 5k course in 21:12.

Arce finished 21 seconds ahead of the runner-up, Natalie Malone of Canyons, and led the Pirates to a second-place finish, its best of the season thus far.

The Ventura College women's water polo team will hold its annual VC tournament today and Saturday at Ventura Aquatic Center.

The nine-team tournament features No. 5 Fullerton and two visitors from Northern California, San Joaquin Delta and Merced.

The Pirates improved to 2-0 in Western State Conference play Wednesday with a 12-4 win over visiting Los Angeles Valley behind three goals by Courtney Thomas and two each by Lindsay Wolny, Loretta Zeller and Vanessa Magallanes.

Four Saturdays ago, a last second, 17-yard field goal fluttered wide by inches and the Moorpark College football team hit rock bottom with a sucker punch of a 13th straight loss.

Head coach Jim Bittner trudged to the middle of the field at Griffin Stadium and told Los Angeles Pierce head coach Efrain Martinez that he felt his team was snake bitten.

Martinez prophetically told Bittner not to worry, saying "You're going to win some games."

Moorpark has found its antidote, responding with its first three-game winning streak since 2007.

And Ventura County's winningest football coach, college or prep, is suddenly savoring every Saturday.

"Any win is treasured," said Bittner Tuesday. "You learn to treasure them when things like last year happen."

The veteran coach has gone from wondering if he'd ever celebrate another win to the cusp of a milestone. Saturday's win was the 199th of Bittner's tenure.

In 32 years under Bittner, the Raiders are 199-128-2 with 11 conference titles, 17 bowl appearances and, in recent years, two trips to the Southern California regional playoffs.

Bittner will attempt to join San Francisco's George Rush and Cerritos' Frank Mazzotta
among the state's active coaches who have hit the milestone Oct. 16, when the Raiders visit Antelope Valley.

"I haven't really given it much thought," said Bittner. "Whether it's 200 or 199 or 150, I don't really care. I just care about the next win. That's what I'm interested in."

"This team, I still don't know ho good they can be. If we make a few improvements as we go, I think we'll be able to compete for a championship. That's what I'm concerned about."

With its first win of the season over National Division opposition Saturday, the Ventura College football team approaches this week's bye with renewed vigor.

"You can see that the kids have some newfound swagger," said Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian. "They understand that if they play together, good things can happen."

The Pirates' scored 20 straight second-half points to dig out of a 23-13 hole at previously unbeaten Pasadena City.

"A couple of the kids have come to me and said, 'Last year I don't know if we could come back like that, A lot of us would be arguing with each other,' " said Mooshagian. "This team, they don't let that bother them.

"That's one of the signs that you've arrived, when you fight back through adversity and you do it together."

During the Moorpark College football team's winless season a year ago, the Raiders finished in the Bottom 4 in Southern California in scoring defense, run defense, and turnover margin.

But behind defensive coordinator Mike Stuart, the former Westlake High, USC and Fresno State defensive end, the defense is making an impact.

The unit held Hancock, then the No. 1 rushing team in the state, to 2.0 yards per carry in the 22-21 win Sept. 18; made the game-winning stop against Santa Barbara City, highlighted by Nick Bruce's dramatic sack, in the 35-29 win Sept. 25; and dominated Saturday's 39-7 win over Compton.

With touchdowns by defensive end Clint Abraham, linebacker Niall Padden and defensive back Anthony Pelupessy, all three levels of the unit scored Saturday. All four starting defensive backs, cornerbacks Pelupessy and Silas Goma and safeties Steven Cristobal and Brian Baldwin, had interceptions as Moorpark tied a school record with six.

"We've made a huge improvement since the first week," said Stuart. "I think we played very well... But, as a team in general, we still haven't played a complete game."

With the defense staking Moorpark to a 39-0 halftime lead, star receiver Chris Gant wasn't needed to lead the Raiders offensively Saturday.

As a result, Gant, who caught five passes for 80 yards, saw his touchdown streak halted at 13 straight games.

The sophomore from Alemany hadn't been kept out of the end zone since he caught one pass for 12 yards in his collegiate debut, a 37-20 loss to Pierce Sept. 5, 2009.

He caught 26 touchdown passes in the 13-game stretch. His 44 catches for 634 yards and 10 scores still leads Southern California in all three categories.

Through five games, he remains the only player in the state to scored double-digit touchdowns.

Ventura College quarterback Antavius Sims was honored as the Northern Conference's offensive Player of the Week Tuesday.

The sophomore from Sumter High in Americus, Ga. had 280 yards of total offense, completing 13-of-21 passing for 121 yards and running 22 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns, in Saturday's 33-29 win over Pasadena City.

Averaging 304.0 yards per game, Sims is No. 5 in the state in total offense.

At the midpoint of the season, both county community college football teams are 3-2 and inches on last-second, game-winning field goals away from 4-1.

Rough week for the Northern Conference. Upsets by Ventura and Hancock over two highly-ranked teams were the positives. But No. 2 Bakersfield, No. 3 Cerritos, No. 4 El Camino and No. 9 Canyons lost huge crossover games against Southern Conference opposition. The losses gave the South a 7-5 head-to-head lead over the North in National Division crossover competition, which may give the South an advantage in postseason seeding and home-field advantage.

Week 5 Scores
Ventura 33, Pasadena 29
Hancock 35, Fullerton 28
Grossmont 36, Canyons 18
Mt. San Antonio 34, Bakersfield 20
Palomar 25, El Camino 21
Saddelback 28, Cerritos 24

Week 5 Standings
Bakersfield 3-0 0-0
Cerritos 3-0 0-0
El Camino 3-0 0-0
Ventura 2-1 0-0
Canyons 2-1 0-0
Hancock 1-2 0-0

Oct. 9 Schedule
Bye

Week 6 Schedule, Oct. 16
Ventura at Cerritos, 7 p.m.
Bakersfield at Hancock, 6 p.m.
El Camino at Canyons, 7 p.m.

Week 5 Scores
Moorpark 39, Compton 7
Riverside 32, Chaffey 26
Santa Ana 43, Long Beach 7
Golden West 31, Los Angeles Harbor 24
San Bernardino Valley 57, Citrus 44
Antelope Valley 31, East Los Angeles 17

Week 5 Standings
Chaffey 3-2 0-0
Long Beach City 3-2 0-0
Moorpark 3-2 0-0
L.A. Harbor 2-3 0-0
Citrus 1-3 0-0
Antelope Valley 1-4 0-0

Oct. 9 Schedule
Bye

Week 6 Schedule, Oct. 16
Moorpark at Antelope Valley, 6 p.m.
Chaffey at Citrus, 1 p.m.
LA Harbor at Long Beach, 1 p.m.

Ventura 33, Pasadena City 29
Non-conference
Ventura 13 0 13 6 -- 33
Pasadena City 0 17 6 6 -- 29
First quarter
VC -- Davis 18 run (Brown kick), 4:06.
VC -- Miller fumble recovery in the end zone (pass failed), 3:49.
Second quarter
PCC -- McMillian 2 run (Gonzalez kick) 13:17.
PCC -- Thomas 22 pass from Owens (Gonzalez kick), 7:03.
PCC -- FG 39 Gonzalez, 0:00.
Third quarter
PCC -- Harrison 24 pass from Owens (kick failed), 13:34.
VC -- Sims 1 run (Brown kick), 9:30.
VC -- Sims 17 run (kick failed), 3:28.
Fourth quarter
VC -- Anderson 4 blocked punt return (Brown kick), 10:42.
PCC -- Bateman 21 pass from Owens (kick failed), 4:44.
VC PCC
First downs 22 26
Rushes-yards 52-258 21-38
Passing yards 121 299
Comp-Att-Int 13-21-1 29-58-2
Sacked-yards lost 4-20 3-14
Punts-avg. 6-32.3 6-35.2
Fumbles-lost 2-2 1-1
Penalties-yards 11-107 7-68
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING -- Ventura: Sims 22-134, Davis 27-121, Nixon 1-7, Team 1-(-1), Reed 1-(-3). Pasadena: McMillian 7-28, Robinson 5-20, Thomas 2-10, Owens 7-(-20).
PASSING -- Ventura: Sims 13-21-1-121. Pasadena: Owens 29-57-2-299.
RECEIVING -- Ventura: Scissom 5-59, Davis 3-2, Anderson 2-22, Jonwell 2-14, Kirkwood 1-24. Pasadena: Harrison 11-96, Thomas 9-104, Robinson 4-44, Harris 2-14, Bateman 1-21, Waiters 1-14, McMillian 1-6.
MISSED FIELD GOALS -- Ventura: Brown 44.
TEAM RECORDS -- Ventura 3-2; Pasadena 4-1.

Moorpark 39, Compton 7
Non-conference
Moorpark 22 17 0 0 --39
Compton 0 0 7 0--7
First quarter
MC -- Pelupessy 34 interception return (Padden run), 13:40.
MC -- Shultis 9 run (Shultis kick), 10:47.
MC -- Padden 23 interception return (Shultis kick), 2:09.
Second quarter
MC -- Shultis 22 FG, 13:54.
MC -- Henderson 25 pass from Botts (Shultis kick), 8:24.
MC -- Abraham 24 fumble return (Shultis kick), :09.
Third quarter
CC -- Looney 25 interception return (Sandoval kick), 13:37.
Moorpark Compton
First downs 17 7
Rushes-yards 41-146 38-(minus)25
Passing yards 293 78
Comp-Att-Int 17-37-1 8-27-6
Sacked-yards lost 0-00 1-14
Punts-avg. 5-39.2 10-31.4
Fumbles-lost 5-3 3-2
Penalties-yards 12-120 9-75
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING ‹ Moorpark: Gentle 15-65, Franklin 12-61, Holt 6-23, Botts 1-8, Shultis 2-3, Morris 4-1,Team 1-(minus) 15. Compton: Malone 16-44, Brown 3-2, Dovolis 1-1, Byrd 8-0, Williams 1-0, Brynant 1-(minus)1, Edwards 4-(minus)2, Johnson 2-(minus)16, Team 2-(minus) 53.
PASSING ‹ Moorpark: Shultis 11-25-0-189, Botts 5-9-1-79, Arias 1-3-0-25. Compton: Edwards 6-13-1-61, Green 1-8-2-12, Brynant 1-5-2-5, Johnson 0-1-1-0.
RECEIVING ‹ Moorpark: Henderson 6-99, Gant 5-77, Gentle 3-87, Garcia 1-14, Markham 1-13, Morris 1-3. Compton: Malone 3-12, Williams 2-44, Lockley 2-17, Byrd 1-5.
MISSED FIELD GOALS ‹ None
TEAM RECORDS ‹ Moorpark 3-2; Compton 1-4.

With both community college football teams on the road today for their final non-conference tests, you can follow along to our live updates on our Twitter page.

Ventura 13 0 13 7 -- 33
Pasadena City 0 17 6 6 -- 29
FINAL
Q1: Michael Davis' 18-yard TD run and DE Daniel Miller's fumble recovery in the end zone give VC a 13-0 lead.
Q2: PCC took a 14-13 lead on a 2-yard Telvin McMillian run and a 22-yard TD pass from Nick Owens to Reuben Thomas III. A roughing the passer flag set up Brian Gonzalez's 37-yard FG to end the first half.
Q3: Owens' 24-yard TD pass to Michael Harrison, Sims' 1-yard TD keeper, Sims' 17-yard scramble
Q4: Art Gilbreath's blocked punt and Jordan Anderson's recovery for a TD provided the winning points for VC.

Moorpark 22 17 0 0 -- 39
Compton 0 0 7 0 -- 7
FINAL

With 32-year head coach Jim Bittner's 199th career win, Moorpark (3-2) has its first three-game win streak since beating defending state champions El Camino in the 2007 Southern California regional playoffs for its sixth straight win. Anthony Pelupessy and Niall Padden returned interceptions for touchdowns and QB Zach Shultis scored on a 9-yard run as the Raiders took a 22-0 lead after one quarter. Shultis kicked a 22-yard FG, QB Dalton Botts threw a 25-yard TD pass to Stephen Henderson and Clint Abraham returned a 24-yard fumble return for a TD as Moorpark took a 39-0 halftime lead. The Raiders allowed just 5 yards of total offense in the first half and had six interceptions, which tied the school record set against West LA in 1972.

No. 16 Ventura (2-2) at No. 5 Pasadena City (4-0)
Jackie Robinson Stadium, 6 p.m.
LAST WEEK: Chaffey 12, Ventura 10; Pasadena 34, Desert 14
SERIES HISTORY: Pasadena leads 24-9-2 since 1931. Ventura won 26-20 last season.
GAME FACTS: Ventura opens one of the toughest runs in school history at a historic bogey team. The next three teams, and four of the remaining six, on the Pirates' schedule are among the last five unbeaten teams in SoCal. Behind QB Nick Owens (36-of-57 passing, 573 yards, 4 TDs), who earned Southern Conference Player of the Week honors by throwing for 334 yards and three TDs last week in just his second start, and a group that is No. 4 in scoring defense (16.2 ppg), Pasadena is off to its best start since 2007. RB Telvin McMillian (68 att., 305 yards, 8 TDs) is No. 2 in scoring. The Lancers are also No. 1 in net punting (37.8) and fourth-down conversions (10 of 11), No. 2 in sacks against (4) and No. 3 in kickoff coverage. Behind QB Antavius Sims (73-of-117 passing, 843 yards, 5 TDs, 91 att., 422 yards, 4 TDs), who leads SoCal in total offense with 1,265 yards, Ventura is No. 1 in first downs (98). RB Michael Davis (276 rush, 223 receiving, 308 returns) leads SoCal in all-purpose yardage. LBs Kenny Breaux and Brendan Daley are No. 3 (41) and No. 8 (38) in total tackles. Fifteen different Pirates have combined for 44 tackles for losses, led by Daley's 6.5.

No. 19 Moorpark (2-2) at Compton (1-3)
Tay Brown Stadium, 1 p.m.
LAST WEEK: Moorpark 35, Santa Barbara City 29; Compton 13, Antelope Valley 7
SERIES HISTORY: Moorpark leads, 22-4, in a series dating back to 1968. Moorpark won the last meeting, 58-21, in 2007, to clinch the WSC title.
GAME FACTS: Moorpark has a long history of success against its former WSC rival. The two teams played in the Raiders' first 13 seasons. The question is whether this Compton team will be able to generate enough offense to top the Raiders, who are back in the regional poll for the first time in nearly two years. Compton is in the Bottom 6 in scoring (34th, 12.8 ppg), total offense (34th, 211.5 ypg), passing (33rd, 136.0 ypg), rushing (32nd, 75.5 ypg). The Tartars have only completed 39.4 percent of passes. But the defense, led by DE Artkiest Jones (4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss), has been stout, especially in the red zone (No. 2, 36.8 percent), where opponents have only scored six TDs in 19 trips. It should be a challenge for a Moorpark offense centered around WR Chris Gant, who leads the state in receptions (39), receiving yards (554) and touchdowns (10). The question is whether Zach Shultis (68-of-113 passing, 687 yards, 7 TDs) or Dalton Botts (22-of-42 passing, 229 yards, 5 TDs) will be throwing him the majority of the passes.

The Ventura College men's basketball team will host its annual Midnight Madness event tonight, beginning at 10.

Buena, Ventura and Santa Clara highs will take turns scrimmaging each other until VC's intrasquad scrimmage at midnight.

Dunk and 3-point contests are also scheduled.

On the cusp of history, the Ventura College women's water polo team is turning the page this fall.

No women's water polo team has won three straight Western State Conference titles, but the two-time defending champion Pirates will attempt the feat with a team consisting almost entirely of first-year local talent.

"It's a very interesting group," said coach Mary Giles.

Without a returning starter, Ventura (7-4) is leaning on 17 freshmen.

Driver Courtney Thomas, a Westlake High graduate, is the lone sophomore in the starting lineup.

While experience may not be a strength, Giles will be relying on a roster that is both deep and long.

"A lot of time, I have some tiny little girls," said Giles. "This team has some really good size and a lot of subs."

In front of freshman goalie Andrea Mallul (Rio Mesa), Ventura has two quality hole set defenders in 6-foot Melenia Ashley (Buena) and 5-9 Raylene Morales (Pacifica).

Former Rio Mesa High goalie Lindsay Wolny, a transfer from UC Santa Barbara, has also contributed defensively after making the transition to the field.

"They are long," said Giles. "I talk to them all the time about how much I love their long arms, because they'll swoop in and steal a ball."

A pair of former Pacifica High stars, Samantha Ebberson and Vanessa Magallanes, lead the attack. The duo combined for seven goals as the Pirates opened WSC play with a 16-5 win at Santa Monica Wednesday.

Ventura expects to be pushed in WSC play by a veteran Citrus team. The race will depend on how quickly the young talent matures.

"Without having a lot of sophomores to lead, it makes it very difficult," said Giles. "But we should be right in there."

Also the two-time defending WSC champion, the Ventura College men's water polo team may not be feeling like it either, as injuries have kept the Pirates (1-6) from a strong start.

"We've just had a perfect storm of things hitting us," said coach Mark Schmidt.

Neither Spencer McGrath (eye), the reigning WSC Player of the Year, nor sophomore defender Nathan Nix (perforated eardrum) were available for Ventura's WSC-opening 17-3 win over Santa Monica Wednesday.

Sophomore Michael Craft has also been limited by a hip injury.

Paperwork issues have kept another key player, Steven Tennant, a transfer from Chaffey, from seeing the pool, although he is expected to be cleared soon.

"We're trying to get things in order," said Schmidt. "A lot of our freshmen are getting opportunities to step up, so it could be a good thing for down the road."

Freshman Eric Donahoo, who has scored 15 goals in the first seven games, is one of the new players who has shone.

"He's having to shoulder a lot of the offensive load," said Schmidt, "which may not be the case when we have other people there."

A pair of All-America swimmers, Collin Baratte and Daniel Colvin, have also shown promise in their first year of playing the sport.

"He's got good skills, he's obviously real fast and he's got good feel for the game," Schmidt said of Baratte.

Colvin, who won the state championship in the 50-yard freestyle last spring, is from a high school (Quartz Hill) that didn't offer water polo.

"He's progressing really nicely," said Schmidt. "He's learning the game real quickly and doing some nice things."