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Volleyball team undefeated
2010 State championship team trying for repeat victory in 2011
Lindsay Martinez/ Roundup
The number one ranked team in the state, the Pierce College women’s volleyball team, continues their undefeated streak this season improving to 16-0, winning all three sets against Bakersfield College Wednesday by scores of (31-29, 2511, 25-21).
The Brahmas remain the only undefeated team in the state dropping only two of the 50 sets they’ve played so far.
Throughout the first two games the scores were close. Each play broke a tie on the scoreboard.
The Brahmas’ are looking to capitalize on their undefeated season and repeat last year’s state championship.
Brahma’s middle Veronika Ban led the team with 14 kills. Freshman opposite hitter, Sakurako Fujii, fell right behind her with 13 kills and added five digs.
However, Co-captain Kathleen Wright led the team in digs with 16 for the game and added five aces to the Brahma’s cause.
Setter Janelle Futch managed 40 assists against the Renegades.
“In the beginning we made some errors but we always try to focus on the mistakes we make rather than the other team so we can improve,” said freshman Lindsay Maxoutopoulis.
The team has consistently maintained that their talent relies on their ability to return to practice the next day, whether they have won or lost the previous day, to improve their skills.
Nabil Mardini, women’s volleyball head coach, always a vocal coach, was on the floor interacting with his players for the entirety of the game, giving both critical and positive feedback.
“It’s just my natural style to connect with the players during the game,” said Mardini. “Every coach has their own style.”
Despite the team’s exciting victory, outside hitter Shayna Guitare, re-injured her knee toward the end of the game and was not able to play the remainder of it.
The injury appeared to be only a minor sprain, according to head coach Mardini.
The team, currently ranked best in the state among community colleges, has a busy schedule this season. However, head coach Mardini says he is confident in his team and in their next game at Glendale Community College.
