Brahmas take two Women’s volleyball win doubleheader Falcons soar out of the pit Cerritos College gets upper hand in tight contest

MICKIE SHAW Reporter @MickieShaw77

The Cerritos College Falcons flew high as they got the win against the Brahmas dropping their overall record to 3-2-1.

“They brought it, and they played well, and you got to give them credit. They were in the game until the end,” said Cerritos head coach Ruben Gonzalez.

The Falcons have won the CCCAA State Championship six of the last nine seasons and won the national championship four times.

Despite losing to Cerritos 1-0, Brahmas’ head coach Adolfo Perez was happy with his team’s performance.

Brahmas women’s volleyball improved to 8-3 on the season with a pair of straight set victories on Friday, led by Shari Volpis’ 30 kills in the two games. They started the day with Mission College (25-21, 25-20, 25-19) and finished with Mt. San Antonio College (25-16, 25-21, 25-23).

Pierce dominated the first set against Mt. SAC. They were aggressive defensively and forced Mt. SAC to commit errors throughout the set.

“Serve tough and win the passing battle. We served really well and passed the ball better than we have,” Mardini said.

According to assistant coach Veronika Ban, studying their opponents was one of their strategies.

“We knew that they were good defensively against our outside hitters. We knew they ran a rotational defense,” Ban said. “Our defense did a really good job of letting our hitters know where to hit, what was open, and our hitters went after it and hit spots we knew were open.”

The second and third sets gave the Brahmas more of a challenge, with Mt. SAC taking a lead during the third set.

Ban knew coming into this game that Mt. SAC was not going to be an easy opponent.

“After the first set, we knew they were going to come out and give us a run for our money,” Ban said. “We made sure everyone stayed focused, kept our composure, and made sure we’re working on our side first.”

Mardini said focusing on the basics helped overcome Mt. SAC’s comeback.

“You have to stick to the same thing. Sometimes you lose momentum because the other team is doing a better job. It’s going to happen. You just have to respect the process and stick to the game plan,” Mardini said. tthibodaux.roundupnews@gmail.com

Volpis was not concerned about their opponents scoring back to back.

“Volleyball is a big momentum sport, and it’s very likely for the other team to start gaining some momentum, so it doesn’t worry me too much,” Volpis said.

Mardini had praise for Mt. SAC’s team and the challenge they presented.

“It’s a very athletic team, and if they are balanced, we know that they can put a lot of pressure on us. So, our plan was to keep the center off balance, and we did that,” Mardini said.

The team also got the win against Mission College in straight sets in the first game of the doubleheader. The record this season is 8-3. Their next game is on Sept. 22 against West LA at 4:30 p.m.

“I’m very proud. It was an excellent defensive game against the national champions. It’s a moral victory. I don’t believe in moral victories, but if there is one, it’s this one. The Pierce defenders kept the Cerritos offense scoreless at the end of the first half,” Perez said. “Our defense and our focus was excellent. Great team defense.”

The soccer team were without Adriana Sosa for this game as she missed out with a knee injury as she was replaced by Tylee Low.

“We lost one of our best players which is devastating, but we were excited to play against a five-time state champion,” Perez said.

Brahmas goalkeeper Brianna Jacobo had 11 saves in the game.

Midfielder Jennifer Veliz mentioned that the team performed well despite not scoring.

“I think overall we did well. From the beginning in our warm- ups. Unfortunately we didn’t put the ball away, but I’m proud. We could have won the game.” Veliz said.

Six minutes into the second half, Brianna Yepez scored to give the Falcons the lead.

Despite the win, Gonzalez was expecting more from his team.

“We didn’t play one of our better games. We came out with the win. You are always happy when you continue to build forward. I expect more from them,” Gonzalez said.

Defender Kerian Neal credits the team with her success on the field.

“They made a big contribution to help me succeed. Playing a national champion can be a humbling experience. I was hoping, honestly, for a tie. I felt we all did well. I’m so proud of my girls,” Neal said. mshaw.roundupnews@gmail.com

By the end of the second half, the Falcons had total ball possession as they kept creating more opportunities. Jacobo saved a huge scoring opportunity to keep the score deficit at one.

Forward Gisell Cruz made the only shot on goal for the Brahmas.

Perez said holding the current national champions to one goal was a victory in itself.

“There is no such thing as an easy game. You have to play the best to be the best. And that is what we are doing,” Perez said.

The next game for the Brahmas is on Friday, Sept. 22 as they travel to Ventura College.

Shari Volpis

Women’s volleyball

Brahma of the Week Outside Hitter Sophomore

Culver City

Shari Volpis in the game against Mission College had 12 kills, while against Mt. SAC she had a total of 18.

How do you feel about your performance?

“I’m pretty happy about how I played. For the most part hitting wise. Our opponents had really tall blockers, but I didn’t let them intimidate me.”

How do you want your coaches and teammates to remember you?

“I want them to remember me as a good leader.”

Interview and photo by: Felipe Gamino

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