Vaqueros Hit and Defend Well in Sweep of San Diego Mesa

SANTA BARBARA – The SBCC men's volleyball team claimed its second sweep in three tries on Friday, setting an early season-high with a .274 hitting percentage to defeat San Diego Mesa, 25-14, 25-21, 25-18.

The Vaqueros improve to 3-2 while dropping Mesa to 6-2 and ending a five-match win streak.

Sophomore outside hitter Cole Richards continued a strong start to the year with match-bests of 14 kills, two aces and 16 points. He also added six digs and hit at a .214 clip.

Santa Barbara's defense outdug the visitors 38-24, led by setter Troy Fitzgerald's 10 scoops. He also had a team-high 17 assists, recording SBCC's second double-double of the year. He rounded out an excellent all-around performance with seven kills on a .500 hitting percentage.

Fellow setter Carter Cottrell finished with eight digs and 16 assists. Freshmen Nathan Adaniya and Cameron Brown went for seven and six kills, respectively.

SBCC is back in action this Wednesday to face Santa Monica at 6:00 p.m. in its conference opener.