Former Ventura High quarterback Lee Mondol, who joined Ventura College days before the Pirates opened their season Sept. 1, made his debut Saturday in Ventura's 15-6 loss at Cerritos College.

"He played one or two series," said Ventura coach Jon Mack. "He did well. He's getting better."

The 0-2 Pirates, who have scored one touchdown through two games, may be looking for an offensive savior. But the problem doesn't look like the quarterback position. Mack called freshman Billy Peters the team's most improved player from the first game to the second.

Peters, from Santa Ynez High, completed 12 of 20 passes for 122 yards and an 8-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordan Cameron.

The Pirates passing attack could improve Saturday night if receiver Robby Leith takes the field. The former Ventura High receiver, who separated a shoulder in the preseason, was medically cleared to play last week but was held out at Cerritos.

"We wanted to make sure that he's ready to go," said Mack. "He's just got to knock the rust off."

Mack will be looking for a better collective offensive performance when Ventura hosts 2-0 Los Angeles Pierce Saturday night at 7.

"Everyone can talk about the passing game," said Mack, "but the passing game starts with protection. ... Our passing game will improve as our protection improves."

Looking up: Still learning the community college game, Mack was impressed with the size of Cerritos' offensive front, which averaged more than 330 pounds.

"If you'd have seen this team, you'd have thought we were playing the Rams," said Mack. "They were just enormous."

Which only underscores the performance of the Pirates defense, which allowed only nine points and less than 250 yards of total offense after the Falcons drove the length of the field on their first possession.

MASH unit: After two games with Mission Conference opposition, the Moorpark College football team is dealing with an injury crisis.

Starting cornerbacks Anthony Evans (dislocated shoulder) and Sam Hollis (concussion) missed much of the loss to Saddleback on Saturday. Coach Jim Bittner only expects Hollis to return this week for the visit to Los Angeles Valley.

Tackle Ryan Sorensen, perhaps Moorpark's top returning offensive lineman, is still hoping to overcome a knee problem and participate this season.

"I don't think we'll see him," said Bittner. "He's hoping he can make it back."

Hitting the books: The Ventura College women's basketball team was ranked No. 7 in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association national academic honor roll for two-year schools.

The Pirates, who won the Western State Conference's North Division for the 17th straight season last year, had a collective team GPA of 3.272.

Iowa Lakes Community College topped the list with a 3.590 GPA.

Splash down: The Ventura College water polo season begins this weekend. The men, ranked No. 9 in the state preseason poll, started Thursday by hosting its Ventura Challenge.

The women, ranked No. 8 in the state preseason poll, open today at the Chaffey College tournament in Rancho Cucamonga.

Looking ahead: The unbeaten Oxnard College men's soccer team (2-0-2) hosts defending state champion Cerritos on Tuesday afternoon at 4. Moorpark hosts Ventura next weekend in the school's annual Citrus Cup football game.