Pirates, Cougars go the distance in WSC Opener

The Ventura College volleyball team went the distance at Cuesta Friday, coming away with a five-set win against the Cougars. Josephine Rausch posted a double-double of 19 kills, with a .394 hitting percentage, with 13 digs and five blocks while Madison Mierau attacked at a .462 clip with 15 winners at the net. Addison Olson added nine kills with seven blocks defensively. Monaye Ramessar dropped 28 assists while Valeria Ibarra had 16 assists and 10 digs.

After the long ride to San Luis Obispo, the Pirates came out slowly, committing six hitting errors in dropping the first set, 25-21.

The Pirates (8-4, 1-0) came back with 15 kills and four blocks to capture the second set, 25-20, and VC won the third set 25-18 with another 14 kills and two blocks.

VC's performance fell off in the fourth set and Cuesta forced a fifth with a 25-18 win before Ventura dominated the clincher, 15-2.

Shai Daniels led the defense with 23 digs and four service aces. Daphne Raymond posted eight winners and had three blocks while Taylor Lane also recorded three blocks up front. Sadie Lishman contributed 11 digs defensively.

Ventura next travels to Moorpark on Wednesday Oct. 1 to take on the Raiders at 6:00 pm.