Volleyball seeks another title ree time state champions return to playo s

The Pierce College women’s volleyball team ended its regular season on a positive note Wednesday night, sweeping Allan Hancock College to share the Western State North (WSN) Division Championship.

The Brahmas dominated at home winning in three sets by scores of: 25-13, 25-14, 25-14.

Head Coach Nabil Mardini was pleased with his team’s performance on how they finished the regular season before playoffs.

“We need to fine tune our offense a bit, but our serving and passing was great,” said Mardini. “We’re looking pretty good.”

Sophomore opposite hitter Paige McFerren led the Brahmas’ offensive attack, tallying seven kills to go along with seven aces accounting for 14 of Pierce’s points.

“We just went out there and played the Brahma way,” said McFerren. “We did really well with shaking things off and coming back.”

Wednesday’s match meant saying goodbye to several sophomores including co-captain and libero Brittani Elser, who contributed with four aces and 11 digs on the night.

“Our expectations were to play hard and to capitalize on Hancock and win in three,” said Elser. “I thought it was sentimental since this is our last regular season game at Pierce.”

For the Bulldogs, the team struggled without its starting libero.

“Our libero was gone so it made it tough but we did well,” said Gabriella Lecats, middle position for Hancock.

Pierce’s communication throughout the game was effective as well as their passing and serving throughout the night.

“I thought [Hancock] played scrappy and pushed us a little bit,” said Elser.

In total the Brahmas tallied 32 kills and 45 digs to go along with 13 aces.

“We played what we call the Brahma way,” said outside hitter Jessica Martinez. “We went out there aggressive and ready to win.”

Co-captain Kira Guarino finished the game with 11 kills and freshman Brooke Rudebusch had 25 assists.

The team ended the season with a four game winning streak and overall record of 18-10.

Pierce finished tied 11-1 in conference play with Santa Barbara City College and shared the WSN Division Championship.

The three time state defending champions will be going for its fourth consecutive title starting the playoffs with a first round regional match scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 26 against Fullerton College.

“That’s what being a coach is all about,” Mardini said about his team going to regionals.

For coverage of the volleyball team’s playoff game on Tuesday night visit theroundupnews.com.

“They gave me opportunities the more seniority I got,” Bathe said. “By year five, I was writing blogs for Fox Sports West and doing my own videos to go with them.”

While with the Ice Crew, Bathe wrote a variety of blogs such as one about her family and their involvement in the sport of hockey and another about playing hockey on a pond.

“I did a whole piece on what it is like to play hockey outside because people down here don’t get to experience that,” Bathe said.

After proving herself a capable writer and comfortable in front of the camera with her blogs and videos, her boss Brooklyn Boyars, director of presentation and events reached out to her for a new role in

Women’s three time state defending champions return back to the playoffs after sharing the division title with Santa Barbara College. Pierce finished its season with an overall record of 18-10 grabing the ninth overall seed. The Lady Brahmas will compete against eigth seed Fullerton College on the road Tuesday night, Nov. 26.