State champions Pierce College women’s volleyball team swept the 2011 San Diego Mesa Invitational Tournament with a win in every game.
For their first game of the tournament, held Friday, the Brahmas beat the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines in three straight sets (25-8, 25-15, 25-13).
In their second game, they beat the Bakersfield College Renegades also in three straight sets (25-23, 25-23, 25-22).
They hadn’t lost a set all season up to that point.
On Saturday, the Brahmas defeated the College of the Canyons Cougars in the semi-finals in four sets, dropping their first set of the 2011 campaign.
In the finals the Pierce defeated the El Camino College Warriors in four sets taking the tournament.
Sophomore Jasmine Levi led the team in kills during the final with 15.
Danetta Boykin had followed with 13 kills.
The Brahmas were undefeated this season with a 5-0 record coming into this tournament, now they stand at an impressive 9-0.
The tournament’s most valuable player award was given to Brahmas’ opposite hitter sophomore Kathleen Wright.
“I feel awesome everyone played so well,” said Wright. ”Last year we didn’t play so well, we came in second, my teammates were kidding me that we had a curse of San Diego, and now we have rid ourselves of that curse.”
Co-captain Veronica Ban feels positive about the rest of the season.
“We feel good about this season, we have a lot of weapons,” said Ban. “I am looking forward to watching our team grow.”
Head coach Nabil Mardini was excited but keeps his feet on the ground.
“We played better and better as the tournament went on,” said Mardini. ”This is just a tournament we want to be good in December.”
Wright talked about the rest of the season and the obstacles they face.
“We are excited about this season,” said Wright. “Because we are the reigning state champions we have a target on our back, so we have to work twice as hard.”
In addition, the Brahmas placed first in the 2011 California Community College Women’s Volleyball Coaches Association polls.
“So far, so good, we need to get back in the gym and keep working and getting better,” said Mardini.
Their next game will be at Moorpark College on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.
http://info.piercecollege.edu/departments/athletics/wnvolley.html