Balanced Attack Sweeps Spikers Past Santa Monica

Another balanced attack led the Pirate volleyball team in a three-set sweep over Santa Monica College Friday at the Athletic Event Center 25-11, 25-17, 25-23. Averi Carter had eight kills on the night for VC (8-2) while Alexis Baloyo and Katey Mulville each hit seven winners. Darynne Bickers had six kills for Ventura, who is ranked No. 20 in the latest CCCWVCA state rankings. Nevada Knowles had 31 assists in the match while Amaris Garcia anchored the defense with 16 digs.

The Pirates got off to a quick start behind the serve of Baloyo, winning the first seven points. They only built the advantage from that point in the opening set as Bickers hit a tip for a winner and a 13-4 lead. Baloyo had a kill, Knowles served and ace and the Corsairs returned a ball long to make it 18-5 for VC. Mulville hit a winner, Victoria Whitney had a block and SMC committed a service error as Ventura easily won the first set, 25-11.

Santa Monica showed some signs of life in the second set, holding leads of 6-5 and 13-11. Ventura responded however, winning the next four points, including an ace by Monica Montoya and a kill by Carter. Mulville had a pair of big hits and Baloyo hit a winner down the line to force a Santa Monica timeout with VC ahead 22-16. A Knowles ace and a Bickers kill ended the second set for Ventura, 25-17.

With the match well in hand, the intensity dropped in the Pirates' play. The Corsairs moved ahead 8-4 in the third set before VC got going again, taking a 14-12 lead on a Bickers kill. Whitney and Mulville had a block at the net followed by a Baloyo kill, a Carter winner at the net and an ace by Baloyo to push the Pirates to a 21-14 lead. Santa Monica had one last run, closing to within 24-23 late before Baloyo's hit was blocked wide for a 25-23 set win on match point for Ventura.

Ventura next travels to Moorpark on Wednesday Sept. 26 to open Western State Conference play against the Raiders with a 6:00 pm match.