COS sweeps Taft; set to host Merced next

COS moved closer to a second straight 20-win season with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-20 victory at Taft on Nov. 1.

Behind 14 kills from Christa Pilgrim (Mission Oak), the Giants improved to 17-6 overall with four matches left in the regular season.

COS remained in second place behind state No. 3-ranked Fresno City in the Central Valley Conference at 11-1 following its fifth straight win.

The Giants, who are listed among the "Best of the Rest" in the California Community College Women's Volleyball Coaches Association's state Top 25 rankings, also received 10 kills from Hazel Martinez (Mission Oak), seven kills from Madison Sousa (Hanford West), five kills from Jayda English (Lemoore), 25 assists and eight digs from Sydney Guinn (Exeter) and 15 digs from Alexis Carmona (Madera).

COS, which went 21-9 last season while making its fourth straight postseason appearance, is set to host Merced (11-6, 8-5) at 6 p.m. Nov. 6. The Giants also play at West Hills-Lemoore (3-13, 3-9) at 6 p.m. Nov. 8.

A showdown for the conference lead looms at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 when COS plays at Fresno City (24-2, 12-0). The Rams beat the Giants 25-18, 25-13, 25-10 on Oct. 11.

COS' final regular season home match is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 15 against Reedley (2-14, 1-12).