The Pirate volleyball played their third match in four days Saturday, all against ranked opponents, dropping a 25-12, 25-19, 25-16 decision to top-ranked San Diego Mesa at the Athletic Event Center. Shai Daniels led No. 8-ranked Ventura (1-3) with nine kills, 11 digs and a pair of blocks while Natalie Bair handed out nine assists. Talia Behrens recorded five kills and four blocks for the Pirates.
After playing the state's No. 9 and No. 14-ranked teams on Wednesday and Friday, Ventura began the contest showing signs of fatigue as the Olympians opened a big lead in the first set before taking a 25-12 victory.
The Pirates showed some signs of life in the second set, but the defending state champions took full control of the match with a 25-19 triumph.
VC was down big again in the third set before fighting to a 25-16 setback in the clincher against Mesa.
Callie Cahill had four winners at the net while Skylar Rutherford and Liz Schalde handed out eight and six assists, respectively. Daphne Raymond recorded a pair of blocks at the net for VC.
The Pirates will regroup before heading to the Pasadena Quad on Friday Sept. 6. They will take on San Bernardino Valley at 11:30 am before facing Mt. San Jacinto at 1:30 pm. Ventura returns home on Friday Sept. 13 against Citrus.