A 20-minute delay to the start of the game couldn’t keep the No. 8 Brahmas from getting home in time for dinner after a straight set victory over the Los Angeles Trade Technical College Beavers Friday night (25-22, 25-15, 25-18).
Transportation issues caused the Beavers to arrive late, altering the regular warm-up routine for both teams.
“The first set was our warmup, and we had to get everything organized,” freshman Cole Chea said. “Not knowing about them was in our heads because we were not able to get hyped up.”
Chea, the team leader in kills this season with 83, said that the Brahmas expected nothing less than a victory despite not knowing the scouting report or the game plan of the Beavers.
Teddy Niemira, Pierce assistant coach, expected the Brahmas to maximize their efforts and improve on their previous performance, a straight set loss to No.1 Long Beach City College.
“Long Beach beat us in every statistical category, so everything could have been better. If we go out there and be competitive, we will be fine,” Niemira said. “I’m focused entirely on our side of the net. We’d like to get good production out of our opposite spot and our passing line as well.”
Chea credited the Brahmas’ calling, blocking and overall team support for their victory in this set and the game overall.
Although Walker was satisfied with the victory, he believes the Brahmas still have not reached their full potential.
“Right now, we’re still battling eligibility issues,” Walker said. “We’re also dealing with a couple injuries here and there, so we’re still not at full strength. Our record right now does not dictate our potential and where we’re going.”
One of those players who have dealt with eligibility issues, second year player Max Petuhov, was active in the game for the Brahmas.
In the third set, with the score tied at 13, Petuhov dove straight into the crowd to save the ball.
“I just took a wild swing at it, and I didn’t realize it was still in until I stood up and saw people still battling,” Petuhov said. “To be honest, I didn’t even expect it to go in, but I worked hard for it, and it felt good.”
Petuhov said that the Brahmas work off the court to make sure they form a brotherhood and connection that translates into their performances on the court.
With the win, the Brahmas move to 4-5 on the season and their next game is on the road when they visit Irvine Valley College on Wednesday, March 7, at 6 p.m.
