On the books it will go down as a loss. When one examines the details, however, it will become evident just how close the Pirate volleyball team cameto pulling off the upset of state No. 3-ranked Santa Barbara Friday evening, a margin of eight points over three sets. The Pirates had set points in each of the first two sets in their 26-24, 27-25, 25-21 loss to the Vaqueros Friday at The Sports Pavilion. Braxton Jessie had eight kills and 14 dogs to help lead VC (8-12, 2-1).
The Pirates were ahead for much of the opening set, holding advantages of 5-1, 14-10 and 23-21. Ventura had its first set point at 24-23 before the Vaqueros closed with the final three points to take the set, 26-24.
In the second set, VC held a 21-19 lead before SBCC scored five consecutive winners to make the score 24-21. Ventura fought off three set points and took a 25-24 lead before allowing the Vaqueros off the hook, once again.
There were 12 ties in the third set, and the Pirates held leads of 10-7 and 18-17 before SBCC scored six of the final eight points to take the set 25-21.
Paris Dosch led the offense with 11 kills while Brianna Finch and Armonee Hunter recorded seven and six kills, respectively. Mikayla Spears handed out 21 assists and Rachel Howery had 17 helpers. Defensively, Sariah Flores led the Pirates with 20 digs.
VC next travels to Moorpark on Friday Oct. 28 for a 6:00 pm match-up with the Raiders.