The Ventura College Pirates could not stop a Raiders team that has dominated the Western State Conference this season, falling to the Raiders in four sets (25-23, 16-25, 14-25, 16-25).

In a close first game, the Pirates (8-9, 3-3 WSC) were able to sneak pass to win the set 25-23.

The Raiders (16-1, 6-0 WSC), however, showed they were the better team during the over the second set.

After jumping out to an early lead, the Raiders saw their lead quickly dwindle when the Pirates stormed back to take the lead midway through the set.

A timeout by the Raiders seemed to kill the Pirates’ momentum, as the Raiders pulled away to take the second set 25-16.

In the third set, the Raiders looked sharp, scoring many points through multiple kills. Kaki Bage, Teale McIntosh, Una Siljegovic and Rachel Olinyk played well offensively, each getting kills past the Pirate defense.

Though the defense struggled, Pirates middle blockers Anne Westbrook and Kayla Phipps played well defensively against a powerful Raider offensive attack.

The Raiders remained in sync offensively, and were able to dominate the fourth set, preventing any chance for the Pirates to spark a comeback. Rachel Olinyk was able to score points her team, making key kills in the set that helped the Raiders take a big lead.

Raiders setter Olivia White sealed the deal with a soft tip that fell in front of the Pirate defense.

Raider head coach Steve Burkhart was glad his team won but was still critical of his team’s play.

“I thought we were inconsistent in the first game,” he said. “We made a few errors we shouldn’t have made.”