Photo Credit: Andre Doty
Posted: Sep 29, 2024
September 25, 2024
After a rough opening set which saw the Vaqs make 17 unforced errors (losing 16-25), the team bounced back to win the next 3 sets by the scores of 25-11, 25-20, 25-22. Canyons was ranked #21 in the state, while the Vaqs are currently ranked #16.
This was the first WSC Crossover Match for the Vaqueros, with the postponement of their Bakersfield match due to a family emergency. Coach Niksto said, "It's been an emotional roller coaster of a week off the court for my family, and I am so thankful for how the team stepped up and responded. They have proven to be responsible and self driven, and have done everything I have asked of them."
After the rough first set, the team rebounded behind the strong serving of Libero Valeria Bellodas. She had 2 aces in the match, but went on an extremely long serving run in set 2, propelling the team to the lopsided set win. Valeria also led the team in digs with 18. Another standout performer was setter Natalie Lercari-Sullivan who recorded 33 assists and 10 digs for her 4th double double of the season. She was dishing out those sets primarily to opposite hitter Kaylin Cooney, with a team (and career) high 18 kills, and outside hitter Tana Long, with 17 kills and 9 digs.
The team will hit the road this Friday, for the first time since the opening weekend of the season, as they travel to Santa Monica College for their final non-conference match of the season.
