Bakersfield College beat Merced in season opener 30-27, 30-19, 30-27 at home on Sept. 2 as coach Carl Ferreira strives to start a new era in woman’s volleyball at BC.
Ferreira is the fifth coach in five years at BC, and he comes in with experience coaching in the Pac-10 Conference.
Lily Banks, who had nine kills and 20 sets against Merced, is one of three returning athletes looking to lead the team. Jill Odom and Ashley Mills, who are also returning, helped in the victory.
The only lead Merced had was in the beginning of the third game only to have the Renegades came back as they kept composure even though they were behind.
“We sustained our mental focus very well and came back for the win,” Ferreira said.
Contributing to the team effort was freshmen Jayme Marotta and Catherine Eyherabide. Outside hitter Marotta did her part with 12 kills and 21 digs. Eyherabide came in with 18 digs and six kills.
The Renegades are scheduled to compete Sept. 10 at a tournament at Reedley College.
SOCCER
BC’s women’s team defeated Irvine Valley 6-0 in Irvine on Sept. 3. All-Conference player and team captain Brittany Brown, one of four returnees, led the victory
Also returning are All-Conference defender Tanna Cain, All-Conference forward Bea Guzman and Diana Valdez. BC is 3-0 overall, which includes a 5-1 victory over Antelope Valley and 6-0 over San Diego City College. BC is coming off a second-place finish in the Western State Conference last year.
The Renegades are also getting contributions from new players.
Freshman Maryellen Bunting of Bakersfield High has scored eight goals and freshmen Laura Sanchez from Garces High had four assists in the victories.BC travels to Fresno for a match Friday against top-seeded Fresno City College.
CROSS COUNTRY
The women’s team, with Western State Conference champion Brittany Grimes leading the effort, has a turnout of 20 runners.
The men’s and women’s cross country team start their seasons this Saturday in Fresno in the Fresno Invitational.
The men’s team has 25 runners with Steven Cavazos and Jason Lewis returning. Both runners are consistent with times of high 21 minutes and low 22 minutes for four miles.
First-year coach Dave Frickle, coming in from Citrus College, is excited by the turnout and talent and said cross country is “truly a team sport.” Other team hopefuls for a successful season are Francisco Mejia, Brian Noonan, Ian Heiter and Jose Mejia.
WOMEN’S GOLF
BC has only five members but all have shot in the 70s. Gloria Wright, Jeong Woo and Donna Hayes – coming in as returning students – are joined freshmen Sara Ansolabehere and Megan Fulfer from North High. Ansolabehere was the high school area player of the year, and Fulfer was an all-conference player.
They will go up against Ventura Sept. 12.