Vaqueros off to Hot Start - Win First Three Matches

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara City College women's volleyball isn't missing a beat to begin the 2025-26 season, winning its first three contests.

It started on August 27, when the Vaqueros swept Victor Valley at Robertson Gym 25-4, 25-7 and 25-11.

"It was a great start to our season," said head coach Kat Niksto. "With all healthy players getting a chance to play and get game experience. I was proud of how clean a volleyball match we played, really limiting our unforced errors, which is a big focus of ours."

Santa Barbara edged San Diego Miramar at Cypress College on August 29 in five sets, 25-21, 25-12, 24-26, 23-25 and 15-8.

Kaylin Cooney led the Vaqueros with 16 kills, while Stephanie Groswirt posted a triple-double with 14 kills, 27 assists and 12 digs. 

The Vaqueros capped off their action on the 29th with a sweep of Cypress, 26-24, 25-14 and 25-12.

"I think our double header today created confidence for the team," said co-captain Morgan Guardado. "We performed with great intensity and discipline. We executed our game plan, adjusted when we needed to, and showed a lot of resilience throughout the match. I'm proud of the way we competed and represented our program and can't wait to continue to work hard for the next game."

Through the first three matches of the season, Cooney leads the squad with 31 kills. She's followed by Bayley Padia at 27 and Groswirt with 26. 

Defensive specialist Valeria Bellodas paces the Vaqs with 47 digs, while Guardado leads the team with 65 assists.

Women's volleyball returns to Robertson Gym at UCSB to host Glendale on Wednesday, September 3, at 6 p.m.