VOLLEYBALL: In the third set, with the outcome of the match a foregone conclusion, there was a point in which every Pirate on the floor hit dove at one time or another to reach a ball. Despite the score, the VC volleyball team continued to play hard, eventually falling to Cuesta College in three sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-12, Wednesday night at the Athletic Event Center. Abigail Gallegos recorded four kills for the Pirates while Jasmine Perez had 14 digs and two aces. Dana Cleavenger had 21 assists and a pair of blocks for VC (1-11, 0-2).
Ventura raced to a 5-0 lead early on, but the Cougars managed to claw their way back into the set. Cuesta pulled to within 11-10, but a Sydney Morris kill held off the Cougars momentarily. Cuesta scored the next three points, however, pulling ahead 14-12 before a sideout and an ace by Gemma Stoll pulled the Pirates back even, 14-14. Cuesta then went ahead by three points before a Morris tip, a block by Kirra Drury, and a wide hit by Cuesta evened the score once again. After each team scored a point, Cuesta took control with three straight winners, ultimately taking the first set 25-20.
VC fell behind 4-1 in the second set before coming back. Makeda Pelle had a nice block to knot the score at 6-6, and Makenzie Neilan hit consecutive service aces for an 8-6 Pirate advantage. Cleavenger scored on a tip to make the score 12-0 for Ventura and Stoll served Vc to a 17-12 advantage, forcing a Cougar timeout. Cuesta scored the next five points, however, and the teams played even until Stoll killed for a 22-21 Pirate lead. Cuesta scored the next three points and took the set, 25-23.
The third set was never really close, with the Cougars controlling the play. They built a five point lead early and maintained it throughout, taking the set by a 25-12 score.
Ventura will continue Western State Conference play on Friday Oct. 11 at Los Angeles Pierce College before returning home on Wednesday Oct. 16 against Hancock. both matches are scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm.