No. 8 SBCC Bounces Back With Lopsided Sweep Over LA Pierce

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The No. 8 SBCC women's volleyball team came out on fire against LA Pierce on Friday night at the Sports Pavilion, earning its third sweep in four conference matches, 25-2, 25-15, 25-20.

The 23-point difference in the opening set is easily one of the largest in program history. The Vaqueros (15-3, 3-1) had held a team to three points on two occasions over the previous eight years. This is the fourth time their opponent has finished a game in single digits (sets 1-4) in 2021.

"Tonight was a full team effort and a nice bounce back after our tough loss Wednesday night," said head coach Kat Niksto. "Lauren Holsted served most of game one and ended the night with a team-high six aces and six digs. Paige Rudi was dominant again in the middle with her team-high of six kills."

Arguably the Vaqueros' (15-3, 3-1) top contributor was Piper Ellbogn-Petersen, who earned her first SBART Player of the Week nomination of the season with her most efficient hitting night of the year. She followed up a near double-double in the Vaqueros' previous match with an all-around performance against the Brahmas (0-8, 0-5), setting a season-high with three blocks.

"Piper provided stability on the outside with her passing and defense and also had a nice offensive night with eight kills and a .500% hitting percentage," Niksto said. "All three setters saw action tonight and did a great job leading our balanced offense: Emma Crabbe, Brenna Valenzuela, and Sophie Ward."

The three aforementioned setters all tied for match-high honors with 10 assists apiece. Crabbe reached double-figures for a team-leading 15th time in 18 outings. 

Santa Barbara will look to build on a new winning streak in its next match at Golden West on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 6:00 p.m.