SYLMAR, CA – The Ventura College Pirates sailed into the Los Angeles Mission College's territory on Friday night, where the LA Mission Eagles fell in a straight-set defeat (25-20, 26-24, 25-18) in a game held at the Eagles' nest on October 13, 2023.
Despite the home-court advantage and a vocal absence of attendance that might have given the Eagles the edge they needed, the Ventura Pirates maintained a strong offense that the Eagles struggled to counter. The Pirates' attack was spearheaded by Kayla Murdoch, who notched an impressive 16 kills with a .265 hitting percentage, leaving the Eagles' defense scrambling.
The first set started with the Eagles showing promise, keeping the score tight. However, Ventura managed to pull away late in the set, closing it at 25-20. The second set was an even more intense affair, with the Eagles pushing their opponents to the edge. A nail-biting finish saw the set slip through the talons of the Eagles at 26-24.
Hopes of a comeback were dashed in the third set as Ventura dominated the court, with Makena Schaumloeffel contributing a total of 14 points, including nine kills, which seemed to dishearten the Eagles as they watched the Pirates claim the set at 25-18 and the match with it.
For the Eagles, the statistics tell a tale of what could have been a different story on another night. The Eagles' box score remains empty, likely due to an error, but it was evident to all those present that the players gave their all on the court. While they did not match up statistically, their effort was seen in their defensive plays and their relentless pursuit of each point.
From the coach's view, there will undoubtedly be takeaways from this game that will focus on execution and seizing critical points during high-pressure moments. Ventura's stats were a testament to their balanced offense and robust defensive strategy. Ashley Johnson, despite a hitting error, managed to steer her team with 34 assists, helping the Pirates to clinch the victory.
The highlight for Ventura came in the form of service aces, totaling nine across the match, and a combined seven blocks which played a significant role in their win. Ventura's defensive solidity was complemented by their 48 digs, effectively neutralizing the Eagles' offensive efforts.
While the Eagles did not emerge victorious, there is much to build on from this game. Each set presented moments where the team shone, and with focus and training, the LA Mission Eagles will be looking to soar higher in their upcoming encounters.
The match concluded in a timely fashion, with no report on the duration, leaving both teams to reflect on the night's performance. The Eagles will take this experience as a stepping stone, aiming to grow stronger as the season progresses.