Volleyball wins its conference opener
October 8, 2015
[Photos by Joe Bergman and Mason J. Rockfellow]
The Bakersfield College women’s volleyball team began conference play on Oct. 1 against Glendale College. Hoping to continue its strong play after winning two straight games prior to meeting Glendale, the Renegades easily swept the match in straight sets, 25-12, 25-23, 25-9.
The defense of Glendale (2-12 overall, 0-1 Western State Conference) proved to be no match for the frontline of BC (8-7 overall, 1-0 WSC) early on as outside hitters Daryan Heathcott and Mackenzie Hernandez combined for 30.5 points in the match.
That set the pace for a strong offensive day from BC with the team scoring 61 points in a well-rounded team effort that saw three BC players finish in double digits in points.
Outside hitter Kayla Romero and new libero Hannah Pope joined Heathcott and Hernandez as standouts from the match. Romero chipped in offensively with a season-high 12 points, while Pope, playing in her new role for the second game, led the defensive charge with 19 digs on the night.
The play echoed coach Carl Ferreira’s earlier words to the team, “We need to play balanced all-around today, just play your game.”
BC, however, began the second set down 10-6 early to Glendale after a few defensive errors early in the set. Glendale continued to increase its lead midway through the set as BC trailed 20-16. Sensing the change in momentum, Ferreira called a timeout to settle his team.
After the timeout, BC went on to score nine of the next 12 points and six straight rallying to tie the score at 23-23. Eventually winning the set at 25-23, BC increased its lead over Glendale to 2-0 in the match.
Never being much of a threat after the second set, Glendale fell to BC 25-9 in the third set.
“Really awesome, played our game,” said Heathcott after the sweep. “This team fights through anything. We were doing so well near the end there, and we just wanted to get everyone involved.” Heathcott sat out most of the third set as BC would never allow Glendale within eight points of them.
Hernandez and defensive specialist Lorena Ramirez were both in agreement after the win that put the team’s winning streak at three matches, citing progression in practices and a better understanding of each player’s roles.
The team travels to Santa Monica to face Santa Monica College for league play on Oct. 7.
