VC Falls in Three at Moorpark

The Pirate volleyball team made the journey to the east county Wednesday evening, falling in three sets to Moorpark, 25-22, 25-19, 25-16. Braxton Jessie had 11 kills and seven digs to lead the Pirates (11-12, 2-5) while Caryssa Castrejon had eight kills and seven digs in the match. Danielle Garcia handed out 21 assists.

The Raiders jumped out to a quick 10-4 advantage, but the Pirates were able to turn things around quickly. Jessie's tip brought VC back to within 12-8, and the Pirates closed as close as 13-10 before MC reeled off four of the next five winners to go ahead 17-11. Ventura kept up the fight, however, and a block and kill on consecutive points by Bryanna Lovingood reduced the Moorpark lead to 20-19. Castrejon produced a winner to tie the score at 21-21 before Moorpark was able to inch ahead and take the set, 25-22.

In the second set, Castrejon led the Pirates to a 5-3 margin before the Raiders reasserted control.  Moorpark opened up leads of 12-9 and 20-15 before taking the second set, 25-19.

The Prates raced out to an early 4-1 advantage on the strength of Lovingood's block, and Jessie had a winner to make the score 9-6 for VC.  But the raiders were not to be denied, taking a 15-14 lead midway through their 25-16 set victory.

Lovingood had five kills and four blocks in the match while Jordan Neria produced seven digs. Maggie Morris had five digs for the Pirates, as did Garcia. Janessa Simental had four kills and Alyssa Mendez had two blocks.

The Pirates will return home for their regular season finale on Friday Nov. 10.  They will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive hosting Allan Hancock at 6:00 pm at the Athletic Event Center.