By Jessica Staub

THE HIGH LIFE (Chris Ullyott)
By Jessica Staub
Having suffered a loss in its first Orange Empire Conference game to Golden West on Sept. 30, RCC’s volleyball team is looking to rebound with more determination than ever.
Although the Tigers were swept by the Rustlers in three games, each one was a fight to the finish. The final scores were 30-24, 30-26 and 30-28.
The team played hard, but head coach Suzie Witmer was not satisfied with the team’s performance.
“We just didn’t show up that day,” Witmer said. “But, we have a lot of talent. I think we have the best team at this school.”
Despite their loss, Witmer is happy with her team as a whole.
“They play as a team very well,” Witmer said. “Every player has their own strengths, and like a puzzle, each player needs each other to play well. I and my assistant coach are really enjoying coaching these girls.”The team got off to a good start at San Diego Mesa tournament , which was held Sept. 21-24. After losing its first match, RCC regained some positive momentum and remained undefeated for the next three-of-five matches. Against Golden West, however, the team did not play with the same intensity that yielded victories at San Diego.
Although the team lost its first conference match, the chemistry between its players continues to improve. Leading the team with assists, Sara Baker is enjoying the team’s company.
“We’re all really funny and get along really well,” Baker said.Kristina Obermeyer agreed with her teammate.
“We know how to have fun off the court, then get serious when it’s game time,” Oberbeyer said.
Obermeyer praised the work of Witmer and assistant coach Santiago “Paco” Rodriguez, then called the staff’s high expectations as the catalyst for the team’s professional behavior, both off the court and on.
“Witmer and Paco work us all very hard,” Obermeyer said. “Witmer has a good sense of humor. Paco is just a great guy. We work really hard so we can have a ‘baaaam’ season.”
Baker added that, despite the Sept. 30 setback, the team hasn’t lost any confidence in its collective abilities and still expects to finish first in the OEC.
“As team captain, I want to lead the team to the top in the conference,” Baker said. “Now I just hope that everyone will come out and support us. We love a big crowd.”