Although it's still very early into the season, the Cerritos College women's water polo team came away with a playoff atmosphere win, as they defeated host Ventura College, 16-15 in double overtime on Thursday. The Falcons, who at one time, held a 10-4 lead in the third period, were forced into extra time after the host Pirates (2-1) scored the last four goals in regulation.

It was a 13-9 advantage after freshman Keyla Santos (Schurr HS) scored with 5:01 remaining in the fourth period. However, Ventura took advantage of several Falcon turnovers and received three straight goals from Lauren Mora to send the game into overtime.

The Falcons, who never trailed in the game, opened the scoring in the first overtime when freshman Miranda Alvarez (Schurr HS) scored for a 14-13 lead. Just :11 seconds later, the Pirates tied the game up again. Neither team could find the back of the net by the end of the first overtime, sending the game into a second extra period. Once again, it was Cerritos who scored first, as sophomore Melodie Carbajal (El Rancho HS/Fullerton College) picked up her third goal of the game.

Once again, Ventura came back and leveled the game. However, unlike the first overtime, the Falcons were able to score what would turn out to be the game-winner, as freshman Samantha Wisher (La Serna HS) scored her only goal of the game with 1:15 remaining. Cerritos was able to prevent the Pirates from scoring again and came away with the win.

Sophomore Mia Carbajal (Schurr HS) led the team with five goals and four assists, with the trio of Santos, Alvarez and Melodie Carbajal all scoring three times. Santos and freshman Angelina Romero (Schurr HS) assisted on three goals, with Romero leading the way with four of the team's 15 steals. Freshman Leslie Meza (California HS) came up with some huge saves in goal and posted nine stops on the day.

The team will remain in Central California and compete in the Cuesta College Tournament over the weekend.