The shorthanded Pirate volleyball team swept past College of the Canyons Friday at the Athletic Event Center, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21. Makena Schaumloeffel had another double-double with 10 kills and 15 digs to lead the way and Kayla Murdoch recorded 12 winners with nine digs defensively. Ashley Johnson handed out 25 assists for Ventura (10-1) before they begin Western State Conference play.
The fifth-ranked Pirates played without starting libero Autumn Rojelio, who missed due to injury, but were still able to dispatch the Cougars in three.
VC raced out to the early 7-2 lead, forcing a CoC timeout. Ventura maintained its advantage at 17-12, and elicited another Cougar timeout by winning the next two points. The Pirates claimed the opening set, 25-19.
The Pirates opened strong again in the second set, working to a 10-3 margin before rolling to the win, 25-15.
Canyons showed some signs of life in the third set, taking a 12-9 advantage over Ventura. The Cougars led 18-13 before the Pirates came storming back. VC scored nine of the next 11 points to take a 22-20 lead before clinching the match with a 25-21 set victory.
Alba Romanos Gracia recorded nine digs in place of Rojelio with a pair of service aces. Kylie Ibbotson had six kills at the net and Brianna Morrison had three blocks, two solo.
VC opens WSC play on Wednesday Sept. 27 at Moorpark. The match is slated to begin at 6:00 pm.