SBCC Sweeps LA Pierce, Improves to 3-0 in Conference

SANTA BARBARA, CA - The #24-ranked Santa Barbara City College Women's Volleyball team cruised to a sweep over LA Pierce at home on Wednesday night, improving their conference record to 3-0. SBCC remains the only unbeaten team in the WSC-North in conference play.

The Vaqueros have now won 6 of their last 7 matches and 4 in a row.

"It was a team-wide effort tonight with everyone getting a chance to play and contribute to the win," head coach Kat Niksto said. "The group was led by our 3 captains, Sophie Ward, Celia Espinoza and Gabby Russell, with them constantly pushing the team to be our best and play our best for every point."

That was evident from the get-go, as the Vaqueros took the first set by a whopping score of 25-6. The Vaqueros similarly came out strong in their previous match, an upset win over Moorpark, winning the first set of that one 25-13.

The second set got a little dicey, but SBCC remained firm and held on to win 25-22 and take a commanding 2-0 lead. The Vaqueros left no doubt in the third set, winning emphatically 25-11.

"Brooke Alexander got some quality time on the right side after making her transition from playing in the middle," Niksto said. Alexander led the team with 7 kills and 3 aces.

"Aviana Clemons took some nice swings on the left tonight, and passed well in serve receive," Niksto added. Clemons had a well-rounded 4 kills and 4 digs, while Nevaeh Tillet similarly had 4 kills, 5 digs, and 2 aces.

Other leaders for the Vaqueros included Celia Espinoza with 9 digs and Gabby Russell with 5. Sophie Ward had 19 assists, and Evan Ybarra was second in kills with 6.

The Vaqueros have the weekend off before facing #10 Ventura away next Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Ventura's lone loss of conference play came in an upset loss to Moorpark.