VOLLEYBALL: Demonstrating the grit and determination they have shown all season, the Ventura College volleyball team fought No. 13-ranked and Western State Conference co-leader Los Angeles Pierce Wednesday night at the Athletic Event Center, dropping their match in four sets, 16-25, 14-25, 27-25, 16-25. Sarah Veloz led VC with seven kills and Makeda Pelle had five kills. Jasmine Perez recorded 19 digs while Dana Cleavenger handed out 22 assists for the Pirates in the match.
Ventura was up on the three-time defending state champions 7-3 in the first set before the Brahmas took control of the match. They went on to overpower the Pirates 25-16 to take the opening set. Pierce also dominated the second set, despite the best efforts of the VC spikers, and LAPC took a 2-0 set lead with a 25-14 win.
In the third set, the Pirates continued the fight, moving to an 11-7 lead on the strength of service from Gemma Stoll and Brittnee Jones. The Pirates built a five point lead on numerous occasions, and led 24-20 before the Brahmas used a 4-0 run to tie the score. Ventura did not waiver, however, eventually scoring the winning point on a block by Veloz and Stoll, taking the set 27-25.
In the fourth set, a block by Cleavenger and a kill by Veloz put the Pirates ahead 9-8, but a 7-2 run by Pierce gave the Brahmas control they never relinquished, capturing the set 25-16.
Ventura will travel to Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria on Friday Nov. 8 for a 6:00 pm match before heading to Moorpark on Wednesday Nov. 13. VC will close the season at home on Friday Nov. 15 against Santa Barbara City College at 7:00 pm.