SANTA BARBARA, CA – The Santa Barbara City College Women's Volleyball team swept LA Mission at home Friday night to kick off the second round of conference play. The Vaqueros now sit at 11-9 overall, but more importantly, with a 5-1 conference record.
"My goal for our team was that in this 2nd round of playing everyone, we want to play each match tougher than the first round," head coach Kat Niksto said. "We definitely accomplished that goal last night!"
It was Dig Pink Night for Breast Cancer Awareness, and many fans, Vaqueros players, and LA Mission players donned pink shirts, sleeves, and other accessories.
The Vaqueros pulled away late in the first set, withstanding a last-ditch comeback effort from LA Mission and winning 25-18. Like the following Friday against Cuesta, serving seemed to be a priority for SBCC from the get-go.
The second set was smooth sailing for the Vaqueros after gaining control midway through. More strong serving led to a few SBCC runs, as they would go on to win 25-16.
"I was extremely happy with our serving, we were able to switch targets, keep our serves aggressive, and kept LA Mission off balance all night long," Niksto said.
Gabby Russell, Carly Hanna, and Kira Little all went on long serving runs throughout the night with Russell and Hanna leading the team with 4 aces each. On the opposite end, Russell also was excellent in serve receive passing, and once again led the team in digs with 10.
LA Mission would not go down without a fight, though, as they seemed determined to make the Vaqueros play an extra set. After both teams took timeouts to stop their opponent's momentum, the score eventually was tight deep into the set. The Vaqueros' aggressive serving remained consistent, allowing them to power through the set, and match, 25-22.
The win means the Vaqueros continue to hold at least a share of the top spot in the conference, and a season sweep of LA Mission home and away.
"Our middles stepped up big time!" Niksto continued. "Both Carly [Hanna] and Bella Nassiri were huge offensive forces for us attacking (both hitting over .500%) as well as dominant blockers on defense.
"Heidi Collins was once again our kills leader with 12, hitting a blistering .400% to go along with her 4 blocks and an ace," Niksto said. Collins continues her solid season after being named CCCAA Player of the Week two weeks ago.
"Callahan Rule was also a big contributor with her steady defense and presence as a back row attack in her role as a defensive specialist," Niksto said.
Natalie Lercari-Sullivan loves setting up her teammates against LA Mission apparently, as she set a season high in assists with 32. She bests her previous season high of 31 last match against LA Mission.
"[Natalie] really utilized all her attackers at the right time throughout the night," Niksto concluded.
The Vaqueros—winners of 6 of their last 7—look to keep it rolling in a massive conference match at Moorpark on Wednesday night at 6:00 PM. Back at home on September 29, the Vaqueros upset Moorpark in a 5-set thriller, winning the final set 21-19.
