What made the Pirates' performance Wednesday even more impressive was that it came (mostly) without shooting guard Erika Ward, who suffered a sprained ankle with 10:01 remaining in the first half and did not return.

Ward is in doubt for the key visit Saturday from Santa Barbara City, which has been Ventura's main WSC North foil in recent years.

"She's not on crutches, but she probably won't practice (today)," said Mircetic. "She's working on it. We'll let (trainers) Mark (Chaney) and Tyler (Hickok) make a game-time decision."