Lorrie Reyes / Roundup
Athletes play sports for a widespread number of reasons. They play because the excitement of competition, they get to hang out with their friends and let’s face it, sports are fun.
But let’s be honest, sports are especially fun when you win.
When those tallies marks are piled up in the win column, you feel untouchable.
Even Charlie Sheen knows it’s about “winning.”
But anyone who has played, watched or even knows that you win and lose in sports also knows in an instant it can all change.
All it takes is one loss.
It happens everyday.
In January the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball had three undefeated teams ranked in the top five. The following week there was only one.
Today, there are none.
One lost can turn that hot streak into a losing streak. One lost kills your team’s momentum.
That’s what happened to both the Pierce College baseball and men’s volleyball teams last week.
Losses.
The men’s volleyball team defeated Golden West College in four games (25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 25-18) on Feb. 23. The Brahmas previously lost to the Rustlers during scrimmage games in pre-season and Golden West only had one lost coming into the game against Pierce.
Pierce was well prepared and determined to win after a bye week and ample preparation time.
But days later, traveling into Irvine, the Brahmas were swept in three games (25-19, 25-18, 25-15).
A statement win over Golden West almost becomes irrelevant after a brutal loss to Irvine.
On the baseball field, Pierce faced a similar feat.
After losing to Ventura in a rainy game on Feb. 22 the Brahmas beat the Pirates in dramatic fashion just three days later.
Sophomore Richard Stock hit a 3-run walk-off homerun in the tenth inning. The redemption from losing days earlier also helped them in their win against Santa Ana on Tuesday.
But having to face Ventura for a third time in less than a week’s span, Pierce dropped the rubber match 2-5 on Thursday and the following games in Pasadena and Santa Ana.
So, what happens? Are there mental and communication breakdowns? Is it being away from the home crowd? Not enough leadership? Too many egos? Or are the Brahmas being overmatched?
Whatever the reason sports are a fickle thing.
The men’s volleyball team (5-2) will start their Southern Western State Conference (WSC) Mar. 9 at Pierce versus Santa Barbara.
After a strong start and recent losses, Pierce’s baseball team (7-5) will be back at home versus Bakersfield on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Although it only takes one lost to get off track, the good news is for both the men’s volleyball and baseball teams is, it only takes one win to get back on it.
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