Friend, Thompson guide Vaqueros to ninth straight win

Shannon Friend has 39 kills in her last two matches and hit .439 for the week. (Photo by Ken Sciallo / Sevilla Photography)
Shannon Friend has 39 kills in her last two matches and hit .439 for the week. (Photo by Ken Sciallo / Sevilla Photography)

Shannon Friend posted season highs in kills (24) and hitting percentage (.512) on Friday night and Tristen Thompson notched 25 kills as SBCC beat L.A. Mission 3-1 in Sylmar. The scores were 25-23, 21-25, 25-18, 26-24.

The Vaqueros, ranked No. 2 in California, won for the ninth straight time to boost their record to 18-2 overall and 6-0 in the WSC North. The three-time defending conference champs are 38-2 in their last 40 conference matches. The Eagles are 8-7 and 3-3.

Katelynn Womack had a double-double with 13 kills and 14 digs for the Vaqueros, who overcame a 24-23 deficit in the fourth set. Friend made just two errors in 43 total attacks.

Raleigh McKinney had a season-high 22 digs and Hillary Bean added 15. Shiloe Parsons handed out 46 assists.

"Shannon Friend was the star tonight, getting key sideouts to initiate a great comeback win in the fourth set," said coach Ed Gover after the 320th win of his 25-year SBCC career. "Raleigh's serving kept them off balance all night.

"We were down 24-23 in the fourth and Hillary Bean's steady serving sparked our comeback. Tristen Thompson showed her excellent digging skills throughout the match."

The Vaqueros host Cuesta on Wednesday at 6 p.m.