Jon Roberts didn't expect miracles in his first season as Ventura College women's volleyball coach.

"It's been a very difficult year," Roberts said. "It is what I expected. But that expectation, versus actually experiencing it, those are two different things."

The Pirates may be 4-15, but they did win their third WSC North match Wednesday, when it swept Hancock to move into a tie for third place.

Ventura also won back-to-back matches last month, including a five-set comeback against Cuesta.

"It was great to see us play at that level," Roberts said. "It was great to see us hang in there against a very competitive Cuesta team. We had a great comeback. It was just a great win.

Ventura has been led by outside hitter Abigail Gallego, a freshman from Pacifica

"She's one we're trying to develop," Roberts said. "She's a very good passer, which one of the harder skills you teach."

Libero Justina Santos, who has filled the setters role, and hard-working outside hitter Inga McManus have also been important players.

"You always like to see that type of intensity and she brings that all the time," Roberts said.