Two-point difference in the fifth match makes the winning decision for the game men’s volleyball played at Moorpark College on Wednesday, March 16.
Brahmas win the first match 25-21 followed by Moorpark Raiders winning the second 25-21 answering Pierce with an identical score. During the second match Drake Uthe, of the Raiders, served most of the balls for the team.
The third match included long rallies once the score tied at 24 but ended with a Brahma win 29-27. After many aces during the fourth match, Raiders pull through 25-23. This brought the game to the fifth and final match.
Brahmas victoriously, 16-14, close out the game.
Coach Lance Walker was confident in the team when it came down to game play.
“We were focused and played complete matches,” Walker said. “We took care of the point and played the point with purpose and passion.”
Moorpark was a game that meant a lot to Walker, due to losing players in the past to this team.
“We have had players leave us and go to Moorpark,” Walker said. “They think that the school is better and we showed them we are a good school and we work great together.”
Fans declined to share their thoughts on the game, frowning woefully and walking with heads shaking as they exited the gym.
Isaiah Williams, a setter for the Brahmas, spent a lot of time on the court and thought about everything he learned about Moorpark as they played.
“Before the game we had a team meeting because we didn’t start off the season that well so we wanted to make sure we did good,” Williams said. “Normally we get frustrated and have a hard time playing but this time we played and we played like a team. I loved it, the teamwork was great.”
Smiles spread across the faces of the players after the game as they huddled for quick congratulations amongst each other.
Noah Klotthor, a libero for the Brahmas, never gave up even when the ball got the best of him.
“We were on the same page as a team as far as knowing where we are in the standings and where we want to be,” Klotther said. “When we needed to dig deep we did.”
Players and coaching staff from the Raiders declined to speak on the results of the game.