By Bryce Ronquillo
The volleyball team evened out it’s record at 5-5 on the season, with a win against Cerro Coso Community College (25-20, 25-21, 26-24) and a loss against San Bernardino Valley College (25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13) at the second ELAC quad tournament.
The South Gym was filled with noise from the four teams and its fan bases.
ELAC had played CCCC in its second game of the season and won in four sets (25-17, 25-19, 20-25, 25-19). This time around they defeated them comfortably in 3 sets, controlling each one of the sets.
“Our game against Cerro Coso was about offensive attack. We had a strong game plan against this team because we played them earlier in the year,” said head coach Elliott Walker
Sophomore middle hitter Yekaterina Makarova stood out in the game with six kills on 12 attempts and two blocks. Sophomore outside hitter Alexis Salazar had nine kills of her own.
Against CCCC, the Huskies showcased its team-play, using multiple hitters on offense as and working together on defense.
“Our practices have been more intense. We understand what our coaches expect of us now. We don’t like losing. We don’t want to lose anymore.
The Huskies opened the first set against SBVC with a 18-6 lead behind the leadership of sophomore outside hitter, Breanna Trujillo, who totalled 24 kills throughout the game.
“ I’m the go-to player is because I have a lot of experience (playing outside hitter). The girls trust me with what I do,” said Trujillo.
SBVC eventually cut down that lead scoring 12 unanswered points and won the set.
“Offensively, they (SBVC) couldn’t stop us. We stopped ourselves on serve receive by loosing our focus,” said Walker.
In the fifth set the Huskies went down early by the score of 6-2. They would later fight back to gain the lead at 12-10. Errors, however, hurt ELAC in that final game as SBVC won the final set.
“We need to continue to talk throughout the entire game. Also our movement (on defense) is not where it should be,” said Trujillo.
On an ELAC team with seven returning sophomores, playing time for the freshman is rare to come by. Freshman setter Vanessa Peralta and defensive specialist Destanee Cortez have established their roles on the team.
“I’m still not at the full potential that I know I could be. Defense is a huge part of this team we need it to run everything,” said Cortes. “I have to thank Coach Walker for teaching me all the skills I have as a defensive passer.”
Cortez accumulated seven digs and two serving aces. Peralta recorded a career high 46 assists, establishing herself as the starting setter.
“They have impacted the team with their smooth personalities. As far as their play is concerned, they’ve stepped up to the challenges that have been presented to them at practice. They are receptive to learning… What does that do for our team? It brings about balance, comfort and strong social skills that will be very instrumental in next year’s team. A tone of positivity is being established with them on the floor,” said Walker.
ELAC will play today at California Lutheran University at 7 pm and on Friday will open up South Coast Conference play on the road with El Camino College at 6 pm.