Pierce College men’s volleyball team lost in heartbreak fashion against Ventura College on February 12 when the game ended in a penalty, as Pierce lost with the violation of the rules of substitution.
Rules of substitution state that in each game teams are limited to the preset amount of 12 substitutions per set. The players are allowed to exit and enter the game as long as they do not surpass the 12 substitute limit.
The call was made when one of Pierce’s players passed the 12 sub mark. In a game that had to be decided by a fifth and final set, the mistake handed Ventura the win.
In the first set Pierce had problems controlling the tempo of the game, but Pierce quickly regained its composure and kept competing with Irvine Valley’s strong play.
Pierce’s outside hitter Daniel Jacobs credited Irvine in their efforts to gather great talent.
“They have really good players, they are tall, strong and scrappy,” Jacobs said.
The Brahmas bounced back by winning the second set by a score of 28-26, with full momentum going into the second.
The second set came close as both teams were neck and neck. In the end Irvine Valley won the set 25-22 after a competitive second set.
During the opening of the third set, the Brahmas lead Irvine 5-3, but Irvine captured the lead.
At the midpoint of the set Pierce tried to rally back from five points, but lost the set 25-20.
Despite the loss, Pierce’s setter Bryant Lagmay thought the team came out strong.
“We thought we played very well, not too many mistakes,” Lagmay said. “We knew that they were going to come out strong.”
At the beginning of the fourth set Irvine Valley controlled the tempo and stayed even with the Brahmas throughout the opening moments, but the Brahmas won the the fourth set by a score of 25-23, sending the Pierce bench into a frenzy.
As the fifth and final set began, the game took on a steady pace. Pierce kept it close trailing 14-12, but a costly mistake ended the Brahmas’ hope of a comeback..
The game was quickly called and the match went to Irvine Valley, who won the game with the final score of 15-12. Pierce College men’s volleyball head coach Lance Walker stated the reason for the penalty that cost Pierce the game was rotation error.
“We also missed a substitution. We had a great game. We battled hard,” Walker said. “This will help us moving forward”.
Irvine Valley’s setter John Lasezky believed the team played well despite the abrupt end to the game.
“Interesting game back and forth, we felt we were playing a good game,” Lasezky said. “We started out slow, but we were patient kind of on our heels.”
Pierce College men’s volleyball record with the loss stands at 2-2. The Brahmas next match will be against San Diego City College on Friday, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. at Pierce.
