City College Men’s Volleyball team improved to 3-1 on the season after beating Palomar 3-1 Friday night at the Santa Barbara Sports Pavilion.

City College was led by freshman outside hitter Taylor McCluskey (No. 4) who came out strong in his first home game for the Vaqueros. McCluskey tallied up 13 kills, four aces and 17 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Jaiden Pina (No. 8) and freshman opposite hitter Sean Reynaert (No. 11) each added 8 kills of their own.

“He’s a rookie and he has already proven to be the go-to guy on the team,” said freshman setter Keaton Arutian (No.5) about McCluskey. “He has really just been a strong head for us on the team, always staying mentally strong.”

City College took control early by winning the first set 25-16. Palomar would answer back by winning a close second set 25-23. The score was tied at 23 in the second set when two consecutive net violations nullified two City College points and gave the set to Palomar.

“It wasn’t pretty by us,” said Head Coach Matt Jones. “But we clawed our way to the finish.”

In the third set, Palomar scored the first two points but City College would follow that with four straight points of their own.

After falling behind 9-4, Palomar called a timeout. But that didn’t slow City College down and they would only build on that lead. They went on to win the set 25-16.

The fourth and final set was a back and forth affair. The Vaqueros would eventually win the final set 25-22 with the help of two big aces from McCluskey.

“Felt good to get the win and come out of here,” McCluskey said. “Happy Friday night.”

City College’s next match is against Irvine Valley at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Sports Pavilion.