Vaqueros give Zakarian first victory

After dropping a 3-0 decision to Grossmont in the morning, SBCC downed San Diego Mesa 3-1 to give new coach Armen Zakarian his first win in a non-conference men’s volleyball doubleheader at Palomar.

Grossmont won the first match 25-23, 25-13, 25-15 and the Vaqueros (1-1) topped the Olympians in the afternoon affair 25-15, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19.

Justin Hertlein had 16 kills and five blocks on the day while Kyle Benskin added 14 kills, five blocks and a .346 hitting percentage. Logan Wais had 13 kills and matched 6-7 Cody Zoesch in blocks with four.

Michael Naki had a 2.32 passing efficiency (out of 3.0) and Brock Skriloff finished at 2.19.

“It was a learning experience for the guys,” said Zakarian. “We faced a fast offense in Grossmont, then we put it together against a tough San Diego Mesa team.”

SBCC will make its home debut on Tuesday against Orange Coast at 7 p.m.