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Josh Lakey | Staff Writer
The RCC Tigers had a double header against the Palomar Comets and the hosting Grossmont Griffins on Sept. 13.
After making the trip to San Diego, the Tigers fell to the Comets and the Griffins respectively. The Tigers lost the first game to the Comets, 3-1, and then to the Griffins, 3-0.
The loss to the Comets and the Griffins extended a losing streak to three straight games resulting in a 2-3 record to start the season.
Prior to the double header, the first two games of the season against Southwestern and College of Desert, resulted in the team’s only two wins thus far this season.
The Tigers current losing streak began after falling to the Mt. SAC Mounties, 3-0.
The Comets were led by Rylee Zimmerman and Rachel McFarland, who combined for a total of 26 kills against the Tigers.
The Griffins, under head coach Jamie Ivers, are the three time defending Pacific Coast Conference Champions, seeking a fourth championship.
Simone Henderson caused some trouble for the Tigers defense after acquiring 11 kills. While Lauren Hays contributed with 32 assists and seven digs.
Tigers’ head coach Monica Hayes-Trainer is entering her fifth season, but will be without players from last season, including outside hitter Tricia Gauthier, middle Kayla Johns and rightside Teuila Palm, who were among last spring’s graduating class.
Seven of the 15 players on the Tigers’ roster are returning this season from last year’s team.
The Tigers have some new talent playing new positions as well such as Euricce Lesure who is the Tigers starting center, has never played the position before in her life, but strives to be a dominant force at the position.
“Our goal is always to win conference, because if we win conference we’re pretty much capable of winning the state,” Hayes-Trainer said.
Prior to the double header, Hayes-Trainer stated the primary objective was to defeat Palomar and Grossmont.
“If we play a consistent game and reduce our errors will be ok.”
Injuries have plagued the team but Hayes-Trainer is determined to weather the shortcomings and persevere through.
After five games, Deborah Catanese is leading the team in kills and digs. She has produced 18 total kills and 10 digs.
Jennifer Norton leads the team with 24 assists while Josette Calhoun is second in assists with eight.
Dorothea Williams is tied with Catanese with 10 digs.
Hayes-Trainer assures that if the Tigers reach their goal of solidifying a spot amongst the top three in the Orange Empire Conference than they will have the opportunity to win the state tournament.
