Giants go 1-1 to open conference volleyball schedule
By Nick Giannandrea
COS ATHLETICS
College of the Sequoias' women's volleyball team got a taste of what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the state's best.
Now, the Giants are seeking the consistency to do it for more than a set.
Sequoias opened Central Valley Conference play Sept. 15 with a thrilling 28-26 loss in the first set against perennial power Fresno City, which is tied for first in the latest California Community College Women's Volleyball Coaches' Poll.
Unfortunately for the state No. 18-ranked Giants, the Rams rolled to wins in sets two and three (25-14, 25-17) to complete the sweep.
"The first set was awesome. Then we kind of slumped down and Fresno just ran with it," Sequoias coach Kim Rix said. "It was a real let down. We started out so strong, but Fresno is always amazing. We are happy to see we can play at that level. Now it's trying to get them to do that all the time."
Mia Gilcrest (Redwood High) led the Giants with 10 kills and eight digs. Allyson Garcia (Dinuba) contributed seven kills and 10 digs, and Hazel Martinez (Mission Oak) added four kills and four digs. Andrea Jauregui (Redwood) had 14 digs, while Kia Campbell (Coalinga) and Abigail Billingsley (Redwood) added 12 and 10 assists, respectively.
Sequoias (8-4 overall, 1-1 CVC) rebounded from the Fresno City match by sweeping Merced 25-11, 25-20, 25-18 on Sept. 17 at Porter Field House.
Garcia paced Sequoias with 11 kills, six digs and two aces. Morgan Hatton (Tulare Union) added seven kills.
Billingsley had 12 assists, Campbell added 10 assists and Jauregui contributed nine digs.
"To come back from that loss is great," Rix said. "I'm really happy for the girls. We were able to get it together and play awesome in that first set, and kind of get it back on track."
The Giants have a busy week on tap.
Cerro Coso is set to visit Porter Field House for a nonconference match at 4 p.m. Sept. 22.
Sequoias will travel to West Hills-Coalinga to continue CVC play at 6 p.m. Sept. 24.
Then the Giants will close the week by hosting state No. 16-ranked Cabrillo (1 p.m.) and Hartnell (5 p.m.) on Sept. 25.
"We have a really tough week ahead," Rix said. "We need to come out ready to play. We're hoping to tweak a few things to get them to be more consistent."
As the season nears its midpoint, Sequoias needs wins in 12 of its final 17 regular season matches to reach the 20-victory plateau for the third straight championship season.
The Giants are also looking to extend their run of five straight appearances in the Northern California Regional playoffs.
"That's always the goal, the hope," Rix said of reaching the postseason. "I think this team has the potential to do so. I always say I know everyone has the desire, but do you have the willingness to put in the work, and these girls do. They come to practice and work hard and talk about their goals."
