A hard-fought season full of highs and lows ended March 8 for the Ventura College men’s basketball team.

The Pirates lost to Bakersfield in the Southern California regional final by a score of 81-65. The lack of offense did not did not help ending the Pirates season with a record of 26-7.

Ventura fell behind early and trailed 42-26 at half. They were never able to get out of the hole they dug for themselves. The Pirates only shot 37% from the field and only made 20% of their shots from beyond the three-point line.

Kevin Menner led them team with a solid 24 points in 37 minutes, but it was not enough to overcome Bakersfield. It was a disappointing end to a season where the Pirates won the Western State Conference and only lost one game in conference play.

It was the final game under current head coach and Ventura College Athletics Director Greg Winslow. Winslow announced his retirement earlier this season.