The Ventura College volleyball team continued their strong play, closing out the non-conference portion of their schedule with a sweep of visiting Antelope Valley College Wednesday night at the Athletic Event Center. Led by Paris Dosch's eight kills, the Pirates, ranked No. 12 in Southern California and No. 22 in the state, posted scores of 25-20, 25-14, 25-13 in the victory.
It was a close contest early with both teams taking time to find a groove. Armonee Hunter had a big kill to put VC (11-2) ahead 16-13. Brittney Mukhar followed up with an ace and a long attack by the Marauders made the score 18-13 for the Pirates. Tori Hiott had a kill to push the margin to 22-18, and Mukhar's kill put the score at set-point. AVC had another hitting mistake to give VC the first set, 25-20.
The Pirates took charge midway through the second set, with the key play coming as VC won a long point with a Mukhar kill, putting the Pirates ahead 16-10. VC claimed the set 25-14.
Ventura had no problems with AVC in the final set, marching to a 9-3 lead with a kill by Jaimelene Salgado. Dosch made the advantage double-digits with a spike to make it 16-6. Mukhar had a dig and a kill with the score 19-9, and Cassandra Lacanilao served for the 25-13 win.
Mukhar recorded five kills and 11 digs for VC while Hiott had four kills, three digs and two service aces. Salgado and Mikayla Spears each handed out 11 assists while Lacanilao had 14 digs.
Ventura will begin Western State Conference North Division play on Friday Oct. 2 against Los Angeles Mission College. The conference opener is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm in San Fernando. VC returns home on Wednesday Oct. 7 against Cuesta College at 7:00 pm.