VOLLEYBALL: Playing their seventh ranked opponent in 10 matches, the Pirate volleyball team appeared a little weary Wednesday, falling to No. 17 Citrus 25-20, 25-19, 25-11 at the Athletic Event Center. Mehgan Lambert had 10 kills and nine digs for Ventura (1-9) and Sarah Veloz recorded 16 digs. Dana Cleavenger handed out 25 assists for the Pirates, who wrapped up their non-conference schedule with the contest.
VC was up 4-2 early in the first set before the Owls ran off eight straight points to take control. VC rallied to tie the score at 13-13 on the strength of two big kills by Sydney Morris and the serve of Gemma Stoll. The teams traded side outs until the score reached 18-18 before Citrus pulled away for the 25-20 win.
Citrus controlled the second set from the outset, building leads of 7-3 and 17-10 before taking the set 25-19. In the third set, VC played even early, but could not find a groove, falling 25-11.
Ventura will open Western State Conference North Division play on Friday Oct. 4 at 6:00 pm in San Fernando at Los Angeles Mission College. They will host Cuesta on Wednesday Oct. 9 at 7:00 pm at the AEC.