MARAUDER WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL EARNS FIRST VICTORY TO OPEN SEASON

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

LANCASTER - Following early struggles in the opening set, the Marauder women's volleyball team responded in the final three sets to defeat visiting Cerro Coso College, 15-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-20, Wednesday evening at Marauder Gymnasium.

"Tonight in the first set it was definitely nerves. We have a lot of freshmen out there," freshman Melissa Lee said. "In sets two, three and four we refocused and played our game. We still need to fix some errors, but I'm pleased with the victory."

Lee, Kaeley Avendano and Taylor Williams each finished with five kills. Williams had an auspicious start to her collegiate career taking over as starting setter as she finished with 23 assists and two blocks. AVC (1-0) finished with 10 aces.

"This was a good character building game for us," AVC head coach Mark Cruz said. "A lot of times we had our backs against the wall and they were able to refocus and battle which is a testament to their character. This is a confidence boost for us."

After dropping the first set, the Marauders regained their composure in the second. With the score tied 13-13, AVC promptly won the final 12 of 15 points to claim the second set.

In the pivotal third set, the Marauders took a 16-9 lead before CCC (0-4) rallied to trim the lead to 16-14. The Coyotes got even closer cutting AVC's lead to 19-18. On the final play of the set, Williams had one of her two blocks to seal it for the Marauders.

AVC opened the fourth with a 7-1 run somewhat taking the air out of CCC. However, the Coyotes showed resiliency and rallied back to cut the lead to 22-19 before Cruz called a timeout. Lee finished the match with two kills on the final three points.

"I think we could have won in three. I think we could have played better, but we did our best," said Lee. "Everyone on this team has skill, but we haven't reached our full potential. We just have to work hard and we will be successful.