'Balanced' Vaqueros Too Much for NAIA Westcliff

IRVINE, CA - The Santa Barbara City College Women's Volleyball team had a strong showing on Wednesday night, picking up a sweep at Westcliff (NAIA). The Vaqueros won 25-20, 25-21, 27-25, improving to 3-2.

"It was a great experience tonight to play against a 4-year NAIA University," head coach Kat Niksto said. "I thought we came out playing very balanced and solid, and really put the pressure on them from the start."

Charlotte Wilson facilitated the offense, dishing 20 assists and providing 7 kills of her own, along with 9 digs on the defensive side. Evan Ybarra led the team with 9 kills while also having 8 digs, and Chaya Clemons had an astoundingly balanced 8 kills, 5 digs, 6 blocks, and 3 aces.

"We also got some excellent serving from both Jillian [Zimmerman] and Brooke [Alexander] in key situations late in games 2 and 3," Niksto added, "and our defensive machines Gabby [Russell] and Celia [Espinoza] both passed well and provided solid defense."

Russell had 17 digs to lead the team, a crucial part of the Vaqueros third set comeback. Down 6 points early, the Vaqueros clawed their way back to tie the game at 23, eventually winning the set in overtime, and the match. 

"I'm really proud of how the girls responded tonight, both when things were going well, and when we struggled," Niksto concluded. "It was a true team effort."

The Vaqs will aim to continue their momentum at home on Saturday, hosting the SBCC Quad tournament. They will play Pasadena City at 10:00 and San Diego Mesa at 2:00.