On a night when the Pirate volleyball team honored their graduating sophomores, the Pirates' season of redemption continued. Led by sophomores Kirra Drury, Mehgan Lambert, Sarah Veloz, Makeda Pelle, VC (11-8, 5-4) assured itself of its first .500 season in seven years with its 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 sweep of the visiting Allan Hancock Bulldogs.
Playing at the Athletic Event Center for the final time this season, the Pirates turned a 9-9 tie in the first set into a 25-19 victory. Hancock held an 11-10 lead in the second before VC took control.
In the decisive set, Ventura trailed 7-6 when Drury served five straight winners as the Pirates took control.
Freshman Tori Hiott led the Pirates with 11 kills, hitting at a solid .391 hitting percentage. She also had 10 digs and three aces. Lambert recorded 11 kills and 14 digs while Veloz had 10 kills, 16 digs and three aces. Freshman Cassandra Lacanilao contributed 18 digs.
With three road matches remaining, the Pirates are tied with Pierce College for third in the Western State Conference North Division. They are ranked 18th in the latest Southern California poll, and still have hopes for a playoff berth following the regular season.
The Pirates head to Moorpark on Friday Nov. 7 for a 6:00 pm match before heading to Santa Barbara on Wednesday Nov. 12 and Los Angeles Mission on Wednesday Nov. 19.