All-around Team Performance Leads Vaqueros Past Cuesta

SANTA BARBARA, CA – The Santa Barbara City College Women's Volleyball team beat Cuesta at home Friday night, 3 sets to 1. The Vaqueros finish the first round of conference play with a 4-1 record.

It was not an easy path to victory, as the Vaqueros lost a tough first set, 23-25. Early on, it was apparent Bailey Woodside was a force to be reckoned with for Cuesta. Catalyzing Cuesta to their first set victory, she eventually tallied a whopping 16 kills and 4 aces, both leading the team.

However, the Vaqueros bounced back strong in the second set, dominating the flow and cruising to a 25-10 victory, evening the match at 1 set apiece.
The third set was extremely competitive, reminiscent of the first. After both teams took turns going on short runs, the score was tied deep into the set. The Vaqueros came through, winning a crucial set point and flipping the script, now up 2 sets to 1 after a 25-23 win.

"Callahan Rule and Celia Espinoza both proved solid in serve receive and defense," head coach Kat Niksto noted. Both Rule and Espinoza were crucial in limiting Woodside and the Cuesta attack down the stretch.

In the fourth set, clutch and confident offensive play from SBCC saw them through, winning the final frame 25-19. Evan Ybarra, Chaya Clemons, and Carly Hanna helped to punch the ticket, with 7, 6, and 6 kills respectively on the night. Hanna also added 3 aces while Ybarra contributed 6 digs.

"I thought our serving was the highlight of the night," Niksto said. "We were inspired by watching the UCSB vs Cal Poly game Thursday night as a team, and noticed how aggressive every player's serve was. Our 15 aces, led by Gabby Russell (with 5) reflected our renewed focus on serving."

Russell, as always, was also firm defensively, with 11 digs. Celia Espinoza contributed 7 digs, as well.

Sophie Ward served well for 3 aces and helped facilitate the offense with 11 assists. Natalie Lercari-Sullivan led the team, dishing a massive 25 assists.

Kira Little was incredible for the Vaqueros, having a well-rounded 9 kills to lead the team and 9 digs, only behind Russell. The freshman from Utah has proven solid for Niksto's squad, capable of big performances on any given night.

The Vaqueros will begin round two of conference play next Friday night at home against LA Mission.