6-7: No. 6 Vaqs Claim Crucial Conference Win Against No. 7 LA Mission

By: Aj Nagbe and James Nicholson

GOLETA, Calif. – No. 6 Santa Barbara City College continued its dominant run in the Western State Conference with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 26-24) victory over No. 7 LA Mission at Robertson Gym on Wednesday for a seventh consecutive win.

The Vaqs showed off their depth, receiving key contributions from their entire lineup. Stephanie Groswirt finished just shy of a triple-double, with 25 assists, 11 kills and 9 digs. Groswirt ranks fifth in the WSC with a .335 hitting percentage.

Hazel Irving showed off her ability to be a key stopper with a pair of solo blocks and 4 block assists to go with her 8 kills. She ranks fourth in the conference with .90 blocks per set and is still the conference leader with .472 hitting percentage. 

Moran Guardado paced SBCC with 14 digs while adding 14 assists and 5 kills. 

The Vaqueros combined for 7 service aces and a very respectable .312 hitting percentage.

"We are such a balanced team, which is part of what makes us so dangerous," said head coach Kat Niksto.

The offensive prowess is even more impressive considering LA Mission ranks first in total blocks in the 3C2A with 265 and fifth in digs per set at an 18.23 rate.

With the win, the Vaqueros improved to 17-1 overall, 7-0 in conference play, and extended their winning streak to seven matches.

"It would keep us on the path towards a first-place finish in our conference, which has been our goal from the beginning of the season," said Niksto on the importance of the victory.  

The Vaqueros will look to continue their momentum when they travel to Cuesta College on Friday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. for their next conference matchup.