Rachel Roth, Spring 2009 Staff Writer
The women’s volleyball team, seven-time Western State Conference Champions, kicked off their 2008 season by winning the Sept. 5 and 6 Women’s Volleyball Las Vegas Tournament for the first time in four years.
“This year we are more experienced as volleyball players,” said head coach Nabil Mardini, who anticipated a successful run in the tournament.
Twelve teams from around the country competed in the two-day event, including nationally ranked College of Southern Idaho and Salt Lake Community College.
“Winning is always good,” Mardini said. “You have to learn from winning. We learned where we are as a team, especially competing against nationally ranked teams.”
Pierce went undefeated in the tournament, beating Western Wyoming and Snow on the first day.
The road to the championship bracket and match went through Salt Lake, ranked six in the nation, twice. The first day of the tournament, the Brahmas beat Salt Lake, 2-0.
“We played the best volley of the day (in that match),” said Kami Ward, opposite and team captain. “We expected them to come out with even more fire the second day.”
Pierce also defeated Salt Lake in five games on the second day of the tournament. In the semi-finals, Pierce lost the first set to Salt Lake, 23-25; won the second set, 25-23; lost the third set, 18-26; and won the last two sets, 25-17 and 15-12. They advanced to the championship match against College of Southern Idaho, ranked three in the nation.
“We never let down. We kept playing our game according to our standards,” Mardini said.
Pierce beat College of Southern Idaho, 4-1, Winning the first set, 28-26; losing the second set, 26-24; and winning the last two sets, 25-20.
“We mesh really well as a team,” defensive specialist Emily Aceves said. “We know what we want and we are willing to do whatever it takes to get it.”
In the championship match, Lisa Sonnenblick, outside hitter, led the team in kills with 15. Sarah Martin, outside hitter, led the team with four aces. Sarah Martin was named the tournament’s most valuable player and Janet Alvarado was selected to the All-Tournament team.
The Brahmas, currently 3-0 for the season, will play at home tonight at 7 p.m. against Santa Barbara City College.
“Even though we just beat nationally ranked teams, it’s another game and we still have to do our jobs,” Aceves said. “We are all ready to play again and get 1 percent better.”
The Pierce College women’s volleyball team hi-fives as it prepares for its Sept. 10 game vs. Santa Barbara. ()