No. 12-ranked Ventura College women's volleyball played host to Moorpark College Friday night, dropping the match in three sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16. Paris Dosch led the Pirates (14-4, 3-2) with eight kills and two blocks while Cassandra Lacanilao collected 17 digs to pace the defensive effort.
Fresh off a sweep against Allan Hancock in their last match, VC looked to build off the dominant performance. In the first set, Ventura fell behind 6-2 early. Battling to gain ground on MC, the Pirates were able to hold of extended runs by the Raiders but were unable to cut into the deficit. Trailing 20-16, VC looked to go on a run but were unable to gain any ground, eventually falling 25-18.
Down a set, the Pirates came out battling early in the second, staying within striking distance. But similarly to the first set, the Pirates were unable to maintain any offensive runs against MC until late. Down 19-12, the Pirates produced a sidedout on MC, then ran off two points before a Raider timeout. VC continued the run with two more points to close to within two of Moorpark before losing the serve. The two point separation was as close as the Pirates would come, dropping the set 25-20.
The Pirates came out firing in set three, taking an early 4-2 advantage. They pushed the margin to 7-4 as VC was playing hard to extend the match. Moorpark eventually cut into the lead, going ahead 11-10. The Pirates would not go quietly, however, battling the Raiders and staying within 18-16. An injury timeout forced a break in the action and Ventura was unable to continue their rally, eventually dropping the set 25-16.
Brittney Mukhar picked up four kills and 14 digs while Tori Hiott added four kills and 12 digs of her own. Jaimelene Salgado and Mikayla Spears each contributed 11 assists.
The Pirates face a tough road test next when they travel to Santa Barbara City College on Wednesday Oct. 21 to take on the state No. 2-ranked Vaqueros. The match is slated to begin at 6:00 pm.