Vaqueros Sweep Long Beach for Third Straight Win

LONG BEACH, Calif. – A balanced offensive attack saw the SBCC women's volleyball team earn its first sweep of the season Wednesday night at Long Beach, 25-16, 25-17, 25-21.

The Vaqueros improved to 3-1 with their third straight win, handing the Vikings (2-1) their first loss in the process.

"Our passing and defense was strong tonight, allowing our middles to go off," head coach Kat Niksto said. "It was a great team effort. I'm very happy with a solid road match win against a strong volleyball program."

Middles Karoline Ruiz (9 kills), Tatum Huffman (8) and Grace Wells (7) led SBCC's offense, set up all night by setter Emma Crabbe and her match-high 30 assists.

On the defensive end, libero Jacelin Mckie recorded a team-high 15 digs. Caroline McCarty (12 digs) and Crabbe (10) also reached double-figures.

At the net, Crabbe added four blocks while Ruiz led all players with a season-high six blocks. The Vaqueros' 3.33 blocks and 18.3 digs per set were their highest averages through four matches.

"Karoline and Grace were a huge presence at the net," Niksto said. "Jacelin and [defensive specialist Lauren Holsted] were both solid in serve receive passing, and Emma not only ran the offense, but wouldn't let a ball drop on defense."

Santa Barbara's offense came out hot as the Vaqueros hit at an impressive .314 clip en route to a convincing opening set win. After conceding the opening serve, SBCC enjoyed its best run of the night scoring five straight points and never looked back. A 4-1 run to close the set was capped by a McCarty kill, 25-16.

Set two saw the Vaqueros pull away by scoring seven of eight points midway through the set to take a commanding 18-10 advantage. A late Viking run was ended when outside hitter Bella Johnson putaway back-to-back kills to give SBCC a 25-17 win.

The third and final set proved to be the closest of the night, as Long Beach scored three straight to tie things at 18-18. Ruiz tallied her ninth and final kill to break the tie and put SBCC back ahead. McCarty later claimed her second set-ending kill of the night, handing the Vaqueros the 25-21 clincher.

SBCC will be at home the rest of the week, opening its home schedule against Cal Lutheran (JV) Friday at 6:00 p.m. For more information on the latest protocols for fans hoping to attend this match in person, please click here.