The Pierce College women’s volleyball team ended its regular season on a positive note Wednesday night, sweeping Allan Hancock College at home.
The Brahmas dominated in three sets winning by scores of: 25-13, 25-14, 25-14.
Head Coach Nabil Mardini was pleased with his team’s performance on how they finished the regular season before playoffs.
“We need to fine tune our offense a bit, but our serving and passing was great,” said Mardini. “We’re looking pretty good.”
Sophomore opposite hitter Paige McFerren led the Brahmas’ offensive attack, tallying seven kills to go along with seven aces accounting for 14 of Pierce’s points.
“We just went out there and played the Brahma way,” said McFerren. “We did really well with shaking things off and coming back.”
Wednesday’s match meant saying goodbye to several sophomores including co-captain and libero Brittani Elser, who contributed with four aces and 11 digs.
“Our expectations were to play hard and to capitalize on Hancock and win in three,” said Elser. “I thought it was sentimental since this is our last regular season game at Pierce.”
For the Bulldogs, the team struggled with out its starting libero.
“Our libero was gone so it made is tough but we did well,” said Gabriella Lecats, middle for Hancock. Pierce’s communication throughout the game was effective as well as their passing and serving throughout the night.
“I thought [Hancock] played scrappy and pushed us a little bit,” said Elser.
In total the Brahmas tallied 32 kills and 45 digs to go along with 13 aces.
“We played what we call the Brahma way,” said outside hitter Jessica Martinez. “We went out there aggressive and ready to win.”
Co-captain Kira Guarino finished the game with 11 kills and freshman Brooke Rudebusch had 25 assists.
The team ended the season with a four game winning streak and overall record of 18-10. Pierce finished tied 11-1 in conference play with Santa Barbara City College and shared the Western State North Division Championship.
The three time state defending champions will be going for its fourth consecutive title starting the playoffs with a first round regional match scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 26 against Fullerton College.
“That’s what being a coach is all about,” Mardini said about his team going to regionals.
