The VC volleyball team gave it everything they had Tuesday night, ultimately falling short in the second round of the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs. The No. 15-seeded Pirates captured the first set from No. 2 San Diego Mesa before falling 18-25 ,25-12, 25-19, 25-19. Josephine Rausch led the effort for Ventura (16-10) with a double-double of 11 kills and 14 digs while Shai Daniels recorded eight winners with 12 digs and three service aces. Bryce Swain led the defense with 18 digs.
The Pirates came out on fire, jumping on the defending state champions in the opening set. VC led throughout as they took the early lead with a 25-18 set win.
The Olympians got things together in the second and evened the match 25-12.
The teams battled in the third set as it was even midway through. Mesa built a small lead at that point, however, and the Pirates were unable to come back, dropping the set 25-19.
The final set was similar to the third with the talented sides battling each other. The Olympians grabbed a small lead midway through the set and made it stand up as VC fell in the clincher, 25-19.
Liz Schalde handed out 18 assists in the contest and Natalie Bair hit 12 helpers for the Pirates. Schalde also recorded eight digs in the match.
Callie Cahill hit seven winners at the net while Talia Behrens and Daphne Raymond each had five kills. Taylor Lane produced a pair of assisted blocks.