At the end of an emotional week, the Pirate volleyball team split a pair of matches Friday, falling to Fullerton in five sets and sweeping Golden West at the Athletic Event Center. Prior to the nightcap against the Rustlers, VC (2-2) honored volleyball alumna Kirra Drury '14, who was killed a week earlier in a boat accident on the Colorado River near Lake Havasu.
Ventura 2, Fullerton 3 (23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 15-7)
Ventura began the day with a five-set thriller against Fullerton College. The Pirates blew open a close first set with a 10-1 run midway through to post a 19-11 advantage. VC held on to take the set 25-23 on Shantalle Ruiz's winner. The second set was a back-and-forth contest, with Ventura trailing 8-3 and then leading 13-11. Fullerton took control late to take the set 25-21 to even the match. The Pirates held a 20-18 margin late in the third before falling 26-24. VC came back in the fourth set, however, winning 25-23 to force a deciding set. The Hornets proved to be too much in the end, taking the final st 15-7 to claim the victory.
Kasie Spencer led the way with 11 kills, 16 digs and two service aces for VC in the match while Morgan Gallagher had eight winners and a pair of aces. Ruiz added six kills and 11 digs while Faith Mackie led the defense with 28 digs. Kambria Dowling also had 11 digs and Raphaella Rosales handed out 24 assists.
Ventura 3, Golden West 0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-20)
Ventura closed out the day with a 3-0 sweep over Golden West, 25-18, 25-13, 25-20. Brooklyn Wallet totaled eight kills and five aces to lead VC and Gallagher also had eight winners with three unreturned serves. Rosales and Gabby Boado recorded 18 and 15 assists, respectively while Mackie had 11 digs. Dowling and Spencer each totaled eight digs.
Before the Golden West match, the Pirates took time to remember alumna Kirra Drury. Each student athlete and coach placed a rose next to Drury's portrait prior to the match, and a moment of silence was observed.
Ventura returns to action in what is hoped to be a more normal week on Wednesday Sept. 12 at Pasadena City College. The Pirates return home on Friday Sept. 14 against Cal Lutheran 's JV team.
