Ventura Captures WSC Men's Water Polo Title

Ventura, Calif. - Advancing to the finals for the first time since 2021, the Ventura men's water polo team captured the 2025 Western State Conference Men's Water Polo title on Saturday afternoon edging Cuesta, 13-12.

It was a close battle throughout the game with neither team leading by more than one with five lead changes and nine tie scores as both teams were knotted up after the first period and going into the half. Cuesta held the 9-8 edge going into the final eight minutes but Patrik Bötkös scored the first goal of the quarter and the go-ahead goal with just seven seconds to go with Wyatt Dingman earning the assist to secure the title for the Pirates.

Bötkös and Evan Augusta tallied three goals each for Ventura to lead all scorers with three other Pirates earning a pair each. Dingman and Augusta also chalked up three assists apiece.

Bryce Biglin earned the complete-game win in the goal, accumulating 20 saves.

Cuesta was led by four with two goals with Johnny Starr counting three assists.

Ventura will await to learn its SoCal Regional fate as regional play begins on Thursday, Nov. 13.