Behind 18 kills from sophomore Paris Dosch, the Pirate volleyball team defeated visiting Cuesta College in four sets, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 25-22, Wednesday night at the Athletic Event Center. Rachel Howery had 33 assists and Sariah Flores recorded 35 digs in the Pirates' second straight conference win, their fourth victory in their past five matches.
Midway through the first set, Ventura (8-11, 2-0) fell behind the visitors, and trailed 21-14 at one point. The Pirates rallied, however, behind Dosch, Braxton Jessie and Brianna Finch to outscore Cuesta 11-2 to take the set, 25-23.
The Pirates fell behind again in the second set, trailing Cuesta 18-9. They rallied once again to close to within 24-23 before the Cougars won a lengthy rally to take the set and even the match.
Ventura took control of the third set behind three straight service winners from Mikayla Spears, posting a 9-5 advantage. VC maintained the lead throughout the set, taking a 2-1 lead in the match with the 25-20 victory.
The final set was nip and tuck the whole way. The teams were tied at 13-13, 16-16 and 20-20 when the Pirates won a massive rally with numerous big digs to take the lead for good, 21-20. Dosch ended the night with a strong hit that was blocked out for the final point of the evening.
Finch and Armonee Hunter had 10 and nine kills, respectively, and Spears handed out 22 assists. Jessie had seven kills and seven digs in the Pirate victory.
The Pirates continue conference play on Friday Oct. 21 at Santa Barbara. The match with the Vaqueros is slated to begin at 6:00 pm.