Amy Gubman
Tension heightened in the third match of the Women’s Volleyball game against Moorpark College right before the Brahmas won the game 3-0 last Tuesday.
The energy exhaled from the Brahmas was excitement as fans rushed off the bleachers to pat Head Coach Nabil Mardini on the back and shake his hand.
“It’s an accomplishment,” said Mardini about beating Moorpark after being defeated by them in 2003. “This year’s and last year’s teams are two different teams.”
Smiles and hugs were given to Pierce volleyball players from family and friends.
“I think we did really well, we came out with a little extra,” said Meredith Rice, freshman from Notre Dame High School, who had 16 kills, the most in this game.
Rice said that the Brahmas 7-1 record is exciting, but the team has been working really hard for this since spring because they have a tough conference.
Other players that stood out for Pierce were Katie O’Connell, a freshman from Louisville High School who had 13 kills, and Jackie Tomas, a freshman from Chatsworth High School who had 40 assists.
“They understand that in order to win, it has to be a collective effort,” said Mardini. “They have good work effort.”
Mardini said that the Brahmas have what it takes to be number one, but it takes time.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re 16-1 or 1-16, there’s always room for improvement,” said Mardini on his impressive 7-1 record this season.
You can’t just look at yourself and think you’re invincible.”
Mardini’s goals for the season are to get better everyday as long as everyone makes that commitment.
“The goal is to take one match at a time and hopefully we will win the conference and make it to the final eight,” said Mardini.
The crowd’s excitement and attendance at the game also impressed Mardini. He thinks that was the biggest turnout the team has had.
“It’s good to see a big crowd coming to watch, especially on a Tuesday night,” said Mardini.
This excitement did not linger on Moorpark’s side of the court as their head coach’s face turned a bright scarlet while talking to his team after the game.
Some of Moorpark’s fans felt the same frustration as they began to agree with Pierce hecklers in the crowd.
“Try to hit the ball over the net,” yelled a Pierce fan in a sarcastic tone to the Moorpark team.
“Seriously,” said a Moorpark fan in reply as they trailed behind 19-7 in the first match.
Brahmas took that match with a final score of 30-14.
The score in the second match came closer as Moorpark trailed behind by one with a score of 27-26 at the second time out. Brahmas won with a final score of 30-26.Pierce beat Moorpark with a final score of 30-25 in the third match, winning the overall game in three matches.