Brahma Week of the

Calvin Howard - Running Back

The Pierce College volleyball team won three straight sets against the Cuesta College Cougars with an ace to win the game.

Cuesta came hungry in the first set. Scoring first and gaining a substantial lead, the Cougars were ahead 9-4. The Brahmas quickly caught up making the score 11-11 before establishing dominance.

“Well it was kind of sporadic for us. We killed it in the first set, mulled in the second and decided we better pick it up. That was nice to see, but we needed a lot more than that,” said Head Coach for Cuesta Roche Nystrom.

The score was 24-16 when Outside Hitter, Zaire Dartis, landed a corner shot to win the first set.

Continuing with the momentum from the first set Pierce employed powerful spikes and several aces to get the scoreboard to read 17-6.

“We show a lot of heart at times but with inconsistency, and we just don’t have the firepower that [Pierce] has,” Nystrom said.

A failed spike attempt by Cuesta handed the second set to Pierce with the score being 25-9.

A determined atmosphere brewed on the court as the third and final set began. The Brahmas turned up the heat by scoring three quick points for a 3-0 lead.

“I think we should have started the way we ended. It was really strong and consistent and confident. I think our team is going through a little bit of a funk right now,” said Chelsea Lawrence, Middle Blocker and Opposite.

The Cougars fought to stay

Pierce won the third set, and subsequently the match with an ace courtesy of Montana Sheppard, Outside Hitter.

Shari Voplis, Outside Hitter, supplied multiple well placed serves for the Brahmas.

“We almost gave it to them with our errors. They weren’t doing anything special to be honest. They were about to beat the Brahmas, but we fixed it,” Volpis said.

How does it feel to be named player of the week?

“It’s surprising and feels good but, hopefully I can be player of the week again.”

How do you get yourself prepared for the game?

“I listen to a couple of tracks or mixtapes and I just sit by myself and pre-game doing good stuff.”

What are some of your strengths as a football player?

“During the game I am just feeling more into the game. The more carries I get during the drives, the more stronger I get.”

What keeps you motivated to play the game?

“By just thinking about why am I out here, what’s my reason for playing football and giving back.”

The Brahmas go on the road next to Hancock on Friday Oct. 23, at 6 p.m.

Kristine White, suffered a significant injury to her left knee during practice before the game. White was already playing with a severely swollen left ankle. It is unknown if the two injuries correlate.

“You always hope for the best but you never wanna see it [an injury],” Mardini said. “She landed awkwardly, it’s a typical knee injury. She’s going to be out, we just don’t know for how long. We just hope she’s not out for the season. She’s a big part of what we do.”

What are your expectations for your team for the rest of the season?

“Just by doing my part and contribute to the team in someway and hopefully no mistakes.”