It was another early night for a Pierce men’s volleyball team as they won their game in four sets, 3-1, on their visit to Santa Barbara City College on Wednesday March 27.
It’s the second time in a row that Pierce has avoided a five game set, with the first one being at home versus Santa Monica College on March 22.
This win concludes a series sweep for Pierce against Santa Barbara. In their first meeting Pierce won 3-2 at home.
“Since we lost the first one [game] in their home, I thought we could get away with one at home,” said Armen Zakarian, Santa Barbara’s head coach. “My guys were just a step or two behind this time.”
Sitting at 6-1 in conference play, the men’s volleyball team currently holds the best conference record among spring sports at Pierce College as they just pushed their win streak to three.
“We have a good program here and especially a good coaching staff with Lance Walker,” said Bob Lofrano, Pierce’s athletic director.
Some of Pierce’s success could be credited to 6’3 freshman opposite hitter Corey Pitt, who has added an extra lift off the bench.
“We just throw the ball in the air and he will get it,” said Evan Bender, co- captain of Pierce’s men’s volleyball team. “We like to call him our garbage man.”
There are only three conference games left of the season, one of which belongs to El Camino College who swept Pierce in their only conference loss, 3-0, on March 15.
Pierce’s head coach Lance Walker scouted El Camino’s opposite hitters only to be surprised by the middle blockers.
Though tied for the top spot in their conference, Pierce has a chance to regain the top spot at home against Long Beach City College on Friday March 29.
Long Beach hosted Pierce during their last meeting in which Pierce was able to pull an upset beating Long Beach, 3-2, the first time in nine years.
“I read this article on Long Beach’s website saying that they were going to get revenge,” said Bender. “So I am excited, it should be a good game.”
