Pirates Fall at Moorpark Despite Decierdo's 20-point Night

The VC women's basketball team kept its game at Moorpark tight for a half before falling to the Raiders 75-55 Wednesday. Olivia Decierdo led the way for Ventura with 20 points and Kayla Lumas netted 15 in the effort. Charnelle Nichols contributed 11 points and a team-high six rebounds.

Ventura competed evenly early, staying within three at 14-11 after the first quarter. The Pirates' defense forced 22 Moorpark turnovers on the night and turned those miscues into 27 points, helping the game stay tight through much of the first half. The Pirates trailed just 32-25 at halftime, but Moorpark broke the game open in the third quarter with a 23-15 advantage to build a 55-40 lead heading to the fourth.

Offensively, the Pirates were led by Decierdo, who was 10-of-16 at the free-throw line while adding four rebounds. Lumas shot 6-of-14 from the floor and grabbed three boards. 

Despite the loss, the Pirates showed activity on the defensive end, collecting nine steals and forcing nearly two dozen turnovers. Ventura also generated 18 points at the free-throw line.

VC will look to build on the defensive pressure and points off turnovers as it prepares for its next contest. The Pirates next host Santa Barbara on Saturday Feb. 7 at the Athletic Event Center.