By Dulce Carrillo
The volleyball team began non-conference with a double-header with a 3-1 victory against Mt. San Jacinto and a 3-0 defeat against Santa Monica College at Santa Monica last Saturday, Sept. 8.
According to returning player Claudia Mosqueda, the Huskies played their best and showed their work as a team on the court. “We did better against Santa Monica than we had in the past,” Mosqueda said
ELAC gave the Corsairs a good rally losing close sets, 25-21, 25-15, and 25-23. During the first set the Huskies led 6-2, but SMC turned the momentum and rallied to take back the lead.
According to first-year Head Coach Elliott Walker, the Huskies seemed to be a stronger team compared to other seasons. They were composed with defense and were able to transition well when attacking offensively.
“Considering the talent and abilities of our players, they were able to put together the things we practiced. In time, they will understand the game and the strategies that we employ.
“The match against Santa Monica proved to be a great learning experience and one that helped to build the confidence of the Lady Huskies,” Walker said.
ELAC had a more strategized game against Mt. San Jacinto according to the coach. The Huskies won a close first set 25-21, lost the second set 25-23, and came back to win the third and fourth sets, 25-21 and 25-17.
In a close match all around, ELAC had to take some time out after they allowed a four-point-run for the Eagles during the first set. Minutes later, serve receiver Lorena Cibrian passed to setter Nissa Gamez, who set the ball to the outside hitter Jessica Delgado.
Delgado was able to hit down the line to the opponent’s side of the court to bring the Huskies back in the game. After that, the Huskies were able to dominate the first game.
Jessica Delgado had 18 kills, five blocks and two serve aces. Claudia Mosqueda knocked down 12 kills, had three blocks, six digs and a serve ace.
Gamez slammed down six kills and had a whopping 36 set assist kills. She also had three blocks, and two digs. Cibrian added one dig, three assist kills, two kills, and four service aces. For Walker, Michele Valencia had an outstanding performance.
“The Husky performance award goes to Michele Valencia, who stepped it up with a consistent and stellar serving strategy that helped the relentless defense with 16 digs and four saves,” Walker said.
“The Eagles, like the Corsairs proved to be a little taller than the Huskies, but that didn’t stop them from their efforts to acquire the win. Discipline, determination, and trustworthy character were evident on the court,” Walker said.
The Huskies next game will be on the road against the California Lutheran University Regals next Friday at 7 p.m. ELAC returns home the following week hosting the Regals othe following Friday, Sept. 21 also at 7 p.m.