City College women’s volleyball rallied back from a two game deficit only to lose the final set 17-15 to Irvine Valley College at the Sports Pavilion Friday, Sept. 6.
The Vaqueros lost the first two matches 25-21 and 25-19. However, they found their rhythm and won the next two matches 25-22 and 25-23.
The final game was close throughout but Irvine pulled away after a few unforced errors by City College.
Irvine (2-0) expects big things for their season. They were ranked 9th in the state in the final poll last year, and hope to rank even higher this year.
Irvine dominated the first half of the game, taking advantage of their height over the Vaqueros front line. After being down two sets, the match looked out of reach but City College pulled it together to make a game out of it.
“We just decided to go all out, we had nothing to lose at that point,” said 2012 WSC Player of the Year Jenna Anderson. “We were communicating more on the floor and taking more swings.”
Anderson led the team with 25 kills. Sophomore Madison Waddell added 18 kills for the Vaqueros.
After a successful campaign last season, City College is looking to continue their success this upcoming season.
“I try to lead by example, and come in and work my butt off,” said Anderson.
City College is now 1-2, but Head Coach Ed Gover doesn’t seem too worried.
“That will be a team in the state finals,” he said. “Both teams are showing off their talent early.
Gover also said how they play many top 10 teams early in the season.
“We’re starting to understand our offense, and how to run our offense,” he said.
The Lady Vaqueros lost in the first round of the Southern California Regional last year. But with a few key returners they are looking to improve upon that finish, along with reclaiming the WSC North title.
With their tough schedule early, the Vaqueros look to hone their skills come conference and playoff time. After a sluggish start last year, they won ten in a row to win their conference. Although City College isn’t off to the start they wanted, they know there is plenty of time to come back and make some noise later in the year.
The Vaqueros will face El Camino in Torrence, CA Friday, Sept. 13. City College women’s volleyball plays their next home game Saturday, Sept. 21 against Fullerton to kick off a tournament hosted at the Sports Pavilion.
