The Ventura College volleyball team was unable to repeat their playoff magic of a year ago on their return to Orange Coast College on Wednesday evening. VC, which won a first-round playoff thriller in Costa Mesa last November, fell in a close straight-set contest, 25-19, 25-23, 25-21. Morgan Gallagher had five kills to lead Ventura while Gabby Boado handed out six assists. Gallagher, Raphaella Rosales and Tatiana Rodriguez each recorded four digs defensively.
Shantalle Ruiz had a pair of kills and two blocks in the match while Brooklyn Wallet also had a pair of winners at the net.
There is reason for optimism despite the loss, however. While the Pirates (2-5) have hit a rough patch in the early season, their competition had been extremely strong. The combined record of the teams who have defeated Ventura is 27-6, and the fact the VC has been close in many of those losses bodes well for their upcoming docket.
Ventura next hits the court on Friday Sept. 13 at the Pasadena City College Quad, hosted this year at Citrus College in Glendora. VC take on Antelope Valley at 11:00 am before battling the host Owls at 2:00 pm.