The Ventura College volleyball team hosted a pair of Northern California opponents Friday, falling to Butte College in the afternoon before sweeping past Cañada College in the evening match. Morgan Gallagher led the way with 17 kills in the two matches while Kelly Rodriguez put down 10 winners on the day for Ventura (6-3). Faith Mackie recorded 32 digs over the two contests while Gabby Boado and Raphaella Rosales handed out 31 and 29 assists, respectively.
Ventura 0, Butte 3 (25-22, 25-22, 25-21)
The Pirates were swept in a close match against the Roadrunners. In the first set, the score was tied at 10-10 when a key call was overturned, sending the Pirates into a mini tailspin. After dropping four straight points, VC never recovered in dropping the set 25-22. Ventura fell behind 8-2 in the second set, and a late comeback fell short as they dropped the set once again 25-22. In the third, Ventura took charge early, leading by as many as five points, but Butte was able to complete the comeback, take the set 25-21, and sweep the match.
Gallagher had 10 kills for the Pirates and Rodriguez had seven. Boado handed out 14 assists while Mackie turned out 21 digs.
Ventura 3, Cañada 0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-19)
Ventura overmatched Cañada College in the nightcap with the sweep. VC opened up big leads in each of the three sets and never really looked back in the victory.
Gallagher and Brooklyn Wallet each had seven kills offensively and Shantalle Ruiz and Kasie Spencer each recorded six. Rosales led with 18 assists and Mackie anchored the defense with 11 digs.
The Pirates will next travel to San Diego Mesa on Wednesday Sept. 26 before hosting Antelope Valley on Friday Sept. 28.