The Pierce Brahmas Women’s Volleyball Team came out victorious after a 3 set sweep (25-21, 25-22, 25-16) over Rio Hondo at the Sixth Annual Pierce College Invitational. The undefeated Pierce Brahmas were favored to win the matchup over a 2-5 record Rio Hondo.
Going into the game, Head Coach Nabil Mardini felt like his team could be successful during the Invitational this weekend.
“We’re pretty confident right now,” Mardini said. “We’re playing some good volleyball.”
The Brahmas did not look like an undefeated team to start off the first set. A few errors due to a lack of communication got the Rio Hondos to play with a lot of energy as the score was tied 5-5.
Things started to turn around as Pierce started to bounce back with a 5-0 run behind number 7 outside hitter Kristen White’s 2 aces.
The lack of communication from the Brahmas started to show again during the first set as the Rio Hondos showed signs of life by cutting the Brahma’s lead to 2 with the score 20-18.
The Pierce Brahmas won the first set with a score of 25-21.
The Brahmas started off the second set with a 6-0 run, but later on errors and lack of communication started showing again with the Rio Hondos taking advantage.
The Pierce Brahmas won the second set with the score 25-22 behind middle blocker Leanna Schott, with 3 aces in a row.
Communications and less errors pushed the Brahmas to a 3 set sweep over the Rio Hondos with the final score 25-16.
Rio Hondos Head Coach Teddi Esko was happy with the way her team performed.
“I think we played good volleyball against a fantastic number 1 ranked Pierce,” Esko said. “I think we put a lot of pressure on Pierce tonight. Game 1 and 2 we were playing good volleyball against them, and I think Pierce had to work really hard at beating us in those 2 games”
Pierce Brahmas’ coaching staff were happy with the win, but admitted they did not play their best.
“It wasn’t our best volleyball,” said first season Assistant Coach Kristin Dolan. “I think that the girls persevered, pushed through, and worked together to come up with a victory.”
Head Coach Mardini also shares the same judgement.
“It was an ugly win, a lot of errors,” said Mardini. “Tomorrow’s game I think we’ll play better.
Pierce Brahmas will face off against number 4 seeded Bakersfield tomorrow Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m. at the Sixth Annual Pierce College Invitational.
