#1 Natalie Lercari-Sullivan pushing back at the net.
Photo credit: Ken Sciallo, Sevilla Photos
Posted: Aug 26, 2024
by Kat Niksto
Saturday, August 24, 2024
The Vaqueros Women's Volleyball Team opened their 2024 season at the Bakersfield Quad with matches against El Camino and Mt. SAC. The team went 1-1 and finished feeling positive about lessons learned and what the future might hold for this season.
First up against El Camino, the team got off to a bit of a slow start. Coach Niksto said, "With several freshmen in the starting lineup, and it being our first game action of the season, I wasn't surprised we showed a bit of nerves at the start of the match. I was proud however of how each set we played better and better, finishing with a solid 3rd set win." Tana Long led the team in kills with 12, followed closely by Katie McArther and Kaylin Cooney at nine apiece. Returning All Conference setter Natalie Lercari-Sullivan paced the offense with 23 assists while also adding 11 digs.
Next up was a very well rounded Mt SAC team, which swept the Vaqueros 0-3. "Mt SAC had a lot of transfer players, and their experience and depth showed. We struggled to terminate the ball with consistency and while the girls fought hard, we were unable to turn the momentum to our favor." Standouts from the match however were freshman Libero Valeria Bellodas, who passed excellently in serve receive, while also collecting 12 digs, and the Vaquero's lone transfer student of their own, redshirt freshman Grace Demmel, who played well and had six kills while leading the team in hitting percentage.
"It was a promising start for this young team, especially given we have been hit with a few early injuries we are dealing with as well. I am excited for this upcoming week as we have a slate of four home games this next Wednesday through Saturday."
The Vaqueros enjoy their home opener this Wednesday, August 28th at 6 P.M.!
