Danielle Stewart collected a career-high eight aces on Friday night as SBCC got revenge on Moorpark in a 3-0 women’s volleyball victory at the Sports Pavilion.
The 11th-ranked Vaqueros posted a 25-17, 25-19, 25-17 sweep of the 18th-ranked Raiders, just 22 days after dropping a 3-2 decision at Moorpark.
SBCC (19-5, 8-1) moved into first place in the WSC North and handed Moorpark (13-7, 8-1) its first loss in the process. It was the fifth straight win, the fourth straight sweep and the 13th sweep of the season.
“I wasn’t surprised that we swept them,” said setter Kelsey Soos, who had 30 assists after missing the first Moorpark match with an injury. “We practiced hard all week and did our job. We beat a good team and it was awesome.“
Antonia Antes had 14 kills, Jenn Waddill had eight kills and four blocks and Arianna Kamp added eight kills for the Vaqueros, who improved to 6-0 at home this season and have won 22 of their last 23 home matches.
Allyson Porter had 24 digs and six kills and libero Piper Obradovich had 18 digs in her first match since being injured in the first set at Moorpark on Oct. 22.
Stewart, a 5-7 sophomore from Walnut Creek, confounded the Raiders with her knuckleball serves that had no spin. She served three straight aces and four in five points to stake the Vaqueros to a 10-3 lead in the third set.
“The key is just a little snap (of the wrist) and you don’t follow through,” said Stewart. “I always get nervous right before I serve but once I got the first two in, I was fine. Our passing was better than I’ve ever seen it.”
Coach Ed Gover was impressed by Stewart’s serving.
“We work a lot on our serving,“ he said. “Dani had such confidence tonight. I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of her serves.
“Beating a quality team always feels great. The fact that we’re in first place is awesome as well but watching my team play with such composure was a gift.“
SBCC completes the regular season on Tuesday at Hancock. If the Vaqueros and Moorpark both win, they’ll tie for the WSC North title for the second straight year with 9-1 records.
Dave, Great announcing at the game and even better write-up! Jack Waddill (Jenn’s dad)