The Pirate volleyball team returned home Friday, dropping a heartbreaking five-set decision to undefeated Mt. San Antonio College 25-20, 13-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-7. Braxton Jessie had nine kills and 12 digs for VC and Armonee Hunter recorded 10 kills and four blocks.
The first set was close all the way, but the visiting Mounties seemed to be in control. They were able to answer every Pirate rally and claimed the win 25-20.
Ventura answered in a big way in the second, jumping out to a 12-2 lead on an ace by Brianna Finch. Jessica Gomez had a kill to make the score 20-12 and the Pirates claimed the set 25-13 to even the match.
VC continued its strong play in the third in a close one. Hunter had back-to-back kills to make it 23-18 and Mt. SAC sideout gave the Pirates the 25-20 win and a 2-1 advantage in sets.
The Mounties were not to be denied, however, taking the fourth set 25-17 forcing the decisive fifth set.
In the fifth, the score was tied at 7-7 with the Pirates on serve, but Ventura was unable to take advantage, giving up the final eight points of the match to fall.
Mikayla Spears and Rachel Howery had 16 and 14 assists, respectively, and Paris Dosch recorded six kills. Sariah Flores had 28 digs defensively, and Finch served up four aces in the match.
THe Pirates travel to Long Beach on Wednesday Sept. 21 before hosting College of the Canyons on Wednesday Sept. 28.