Pirate Volleyball Jumps Moorpark in WSC Opener

After a five-set loss to rival Moorpark on the opening weekend, the Ventura College volleyball team had a score to settle Wednesday. The Pirates took care of business at Raider Pavilion with a 25-16, 22-25, 25-18, 25-18, four-set victory over the Raiders in the Western State Conference opener for both teams. Nevada Knowles had 39 assists, nine kills, nine digs and a pair of block assists and Darynne Bickers was key at the net with 16 kills to go along with four digs and two block assists in the VC triumph.

Ventura (9-2, 1-0) jumped all over Moorpark in the opening set, taking the win 25-16.

The Raiders, who were ranked No. 10 in the latest state poll, came back to win the second, 25-22, before No. 21 Ventura claimed the third 25-18.

In the third set, Katey Mulville and Alexis Baloyo each had winners to push Ventura ahead 7-5. With Baloyo on the serve, the Pirates won the next nine points, including another kill from Mulville, a winner by Bickers and two service aces. VC rode that momentum to take the set 25-18, sealing a 3-1 victory.

Baloyo finished with nine kills, nine digs and four aces in the match while Averi Carter and Victoria Whitney each recorded seven kills. Amaris Garcia led the defensive effort with 22 digs and Mulville had three solo blocks and a pair of block assists at the net.

The Pirates return home on Friday Oct. 1, hosting Cuesta at 6:00 pm.