Javier Zazueta
The Pierce College women’s volleyball team opened its home season with a decisive win over the Pasadena City College Lancers. With this victory, the Brahmas increase their home winning streak to 44 games.
The successful run, which started in October 2002, has lead the team to five straight conference titles, including being a runner up in the 2006 state finals.
Pierce improves to 4-0, while the Lancers leave empty handed and add another loss to their winless record, which now stands at 0-3. The final scores were 30-26, 30-23, 30-25.
Pierce middle blocker Ashley Lugo-Brown lead the team with 12 kills.
“I didn’t doubt we could win,” said Brahma coach Nabil Mardini.
“We came out strong, they were on our heads,” said freshman Candace Price from Pasadena City College. “Physically we were OK, mentally we weren’t strong.”
The score was consistently even at the start of the game, until late in the first set when Pierce finally expanded the gap and won the set.
The game loosened up in the second set in favor of the Brahmas, however during the transition into the third set, they ran into problems.
Although the Brahmas continually scored, the Lancers held a five-point lead before Pierce went on a 16-6 run to finish and win the game.
“Too many errors, they are a good team,” said Tammy Silva, Pasadena City College coach. “Pierce will capitalize on any error you make.”
“I’m glad we got a win, but we need to improve in the game. We played a little sloppy,” added Mardini.
“We could have done better,” said Chereen Michel of Pasadena City College.
With a crowd of more than 100 people, including many members of the Pierce football team, the Brahmas were surprised by the number of spectators.
“Great turnout. Usually there are 30 people,” said Lugo-Brown.
“Good to see support,” said coach Mardini.
The Brahmas had a height advantage as well. Pierce has eight players on their team who stand at 5’10” or taller, the tallest being Lugo-Brown who is 6’1″, while Pasadena City College only has four.
“It helps,” coach Mardini said of the height advantage.
On Saturday, the Brahmas participated in the Santa Monica Quad Tournament at Santa Monica City College.
There, they lost to the Golden West Rustlers 30-27, 30-28, 21-30, 30-20 at 9:30 a.m., while coming back to beat the Santa Barbara Vaqueros 30-14, 30-24, 30-27 at 12:30 p.m.
“We need a lot of work,” said Mardini. “We need to come back to the gym and practice.”
Pierce women’s volleyball team captain Ashley Lugo-Brown (8) spikes hard against Pasadena College at the South Gym on Sept. 12. Pierce won 3-0; however, most Pierce players and coaches said, ” We need more work to do.” ()