Daniel Pena | Staff Writer
Oct. 16, 2014
The Riverside City College women’s volleyball team recently had a three game stretch in one week facing Santa Ana Irvine Valley and Saddleback.
Currently RCC’s record stands (5-7) and (2-1) in the Orange Empire Conference.
The Tigers took the first win against Santa Ana Oct. 3 winning 3-1 sets. The first set 25-19, but Santa Ana took the second set 25-19. The third was neck to neck as both teams were just one point away from winning the set, but RCC roared to a win with a score of 26-24. The fourth set it was all RCC as the Tigers got the win with a score of 25-18.
Against Irvine Valley Oct. 8 (9-0, 2-0 OEC) wasn’t as all too well for the Tigers as they were swept. The first set was close, but not enough to win as RCC lost with a score of 18-25. Hoping to make improvement in the second set actually hurt the Tigers more and lost with a score of 11-25.
Looking to pull off the same magic used against Cerritos College when the Tigers were down 2-0 sets and pulled off a comeback win, Irvine Valley did not make the same mistake like Cerritos and beat the Tigers with a score of 6-25.
Coach Monica Hayes-Trainer did not give up throughout and was looking for ways to win, but Irvine Valley had the advantage.
“Their experience of the game, fundamentals come from great coaching early on in their careers and they have several D1 players and superb coaching to boot,” said Hayes-Trainer. “Our poor passing eliminated our chance to run a deceptive offense.”
At home Oct. 10 against Saddleback (2-6, 0-3 OEC) the Tigers were looking to make improvement and had a game plan to win.
“Reduce serve and receive errors and place the attacks in strategic spots.” Said Hayes-Trainer.
RCC delivered with a win winning the first three sets sweeping Saddleback. The Tigers dominated Saddleback with a score of 25-9 in the first set. Looked to get back in the game, but the Tigers hanged on for the win in the second set with a score of 25-22. On the third for their second sweep of the season delivered with a score of 25-16.
“Our team continues to improve, so we have to continue to learn from each play, set, match, and practice that is key,” said Hayes-Trainer.
RCC women’s volleyball team looks to bounce back into contention.
“The improvement of this team, player for player, is exceptional. The coaching staff is so proud of each and every one of them,” said Hayes-Trainer. “We have a sense of urgency to prove ourselves know, after a slow start at the beginning of the season five of the eight teams in our conference are ranked in the top 10 in the state; so we only have to take one or two of them down to get into playoffs.”
The Tigers will volley against Orange Coast Oct. 17.
