2019 VC Pirate Volleyball Review

Entering the 2019 season, the Ventura College volleyball team had high expectations coming off the program's first Western State Conference title in 13 years the previous season. Those expectations were tempered by an incredibly difficult schedule which had the Pirates dropping seven non-conference matches, six to eventual playoff teams. The Pirates won nine of their final 10 matches of the season, however, to post an overall record of 13-9, 8-2 in the WSC North for a second place finish.

Two of the Pirates' early setbacks were razor-close five-set affairs. VC's season took a turn for the better on September 27 with a five-set victory over state No. 20-ranked Butte College. The Pirates won the decisive fifth set by a 16-14 margin, beginning Ventura's push to the finish. Also included in VC's excellent October was a record-setting 45-43 set loss at Santa Barbara in the Pirates' 3-1 victory over the Vaqueros. Ventura dropped just one set in its final five matches.

Head coach Brad Lyans was voted co-coach of the year by his peers following the season and Leslie Perez earned Libero of the Year honors in the WSC North. Brooklyn Wallet and Morgan Gallagher were named first team All-WSC while Raphaella Rosales was named second team all-conference. Shantalle Ruiz and Gabby Boado both earned honorable mention nods.

Wallet was named the team's Most Valuable Player. The Buena High School product led the conference with a .342 hitting percentage while recording 191 kills. Gallagher, meanwhile earned the team's Scholar Athlete Award. The Foothill Tech graduate had a 3.95 grade point average, leading the Pirates' efforts off the court.