Pirates Volleyball Sweeps Their Way to Conference Win

Ventura College women's volleyball returned home to face Los Angeles Mission College and swept their way to conference win (26-24, 25-20, 25-17). Armonee Hunter had 12 kills and one block for the Pirates in the victory. Paris Dosch added nine kills, three digs and one block. Jaimelene Salgado dished out 35 assists and collected eight digs.

Following a stretch of three straight conference games against ranked opponents the No. 13-Southern California and No. 22-State ranked Pirates looked to get back on track. Facing the Eagles looking for a chance to get into sole possession of third place with a win and some help, the Pirates were tested early before dominanting late.

In the first set, Ventura fell behind early and battled throughout the set to stay with LA Mission. Coach Brad Lyans called a timeout trailing 15-10 and the Pirates returned to change the momentum of the set. Cutting the margin to 21-19 when the Pirates won a point after a long rally between both teams. With the score 21-20 and the Eagles ahead, LA Mission called their first timeout. Ventura responded to tie the set at 22 and eventually close out the set for a 26-24 win.

Feeding off the momentum of their late set rally the Pirates came out to take an early advantage in set two. LAMC closed the gap quickly and the two teams traded points throughout the middle of the set. Ventura took a timeout with an 18-17 advantage. Coming out of the timeout Ventura caught fire for a 7-3 run at the end of the set for a 25-20 victory.

Holding a two set advantage the Pirates and Eagles played close early when Cassandra Lacanilao put the Pirates up 8-6, but LA Mission rallied back. VC would go on a 6-1 run before the Eagles called a timeout to break the Pirates serve, but it was to little to late. When Hunter slammed home a kill for a 16-12 advantage the Pirates took control of the set. After Hunter's kill the Pirates outpointed the Eagles 9-5 for a 25-17 win and a three set sweep.

The Pirates win was important, but with rival Moorpark College dropping their game to Santa Barbara City College the Pirates were able to re-claim sole possession of third place in the tough Western State Conference-North. The Pirates will travel to Cuesta Friday Oct. 30 for a 6:00 pm match.