After a regular season in which the SBCC women’s volleyball team won 20 of its 22 matches, the Vaqueros earned nothing but home matches on their way to the state tournament. SBCC began to reap the rewards on Tuesday, defeating Fullerton 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20 at the Sports Pavilion, a place at which the Vaqueros are undefeated this season.
“I’ve got confidence in our team,” said SBCC head coach Ed Gover first and foremost, but added, “it’s just so much easier playing at home.”
Maria Mayer hits between two Fullerton blockers on Tuesday night.
Still, the Vaqueros (21-2) lost the first game before settling down and turning the match around. Fullerton’s Reilly Stevens hammered a game-high 20 kills on the night, most coming in the first set.
“I think we were more excited than we were nervous,” said Vaquero middle blocker Jenn Waddill, who led her team with 14 kills and zero errors.
No. 3-seeded SBCC, winners of 17 straight at home dating back to last season, shot out to early leads in each of the next three sets and were never really challenged by Fullerton after the first game.
All-State selection Maria Mayer put away 11 kills and Nicole Bergmann tallied eight. Jessica Tune posted a double-double with 10 kills and 14 digs while Jake Kelly collected 25 digs on defense.
“We have an awesome offense and you can’t have that without good defense. It goes both ways,” said Kelly. “I think we have the unique situation where we have both roles filled. And I think that’s really important for a team that’s going to try to go to State Championships.”
SBCC plays its second-round playoff match on Saturday at the Sports Pavilion. Cypress, who defeated Cerritos 25-13, 25-16, 25-21, is the opponent, with the contest set to start at 7 p.m.
