(Bakersfield, CA) For the first time since the 2016 season, the Mt. SAC Women's Volleyball team has started the season off with three consecutive wins, as they went 2-0 at the Bakersfield College Quad on Saturday (August 27).
In the first three matches of the season, the Mounties have dropped just one set, as they defeated host Bakersfield, 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18), and swept Santa Barbara, 3-0(25-20, 25-18, 25-14).
"The Bakersfield Quad has a competitive reputation, and it did not disappoint this year," Mt. SAC Women's Volleyball coach Samantha Neely said. "Bakersfield and Santa Barbara challenged us to evolve and adapt as a team throughout the day.
"I think we handled the tough competition with maturity, composure and showcased some high-level volleyball."
"I am really proud of our team for sticking together and competing as one unit from start to finish," Neely added.
Mt. SAC 3, Bakersfield 1
Leading the way in kills was outside hitter Riley DeGroot with 14 (.289) and seven digs, followed by nine kills (.360) by sophomore OH Angelina Burton. Setters Kylie Rhodes and Capri Salmon each had 14 assists.
Sophomore libero Riannel Arevalo led the team with 12 digs.
Mt. SAC 3, Santa Barbara 0
Sophomore opposite Allison Whiteman (4 digs) led with 12 kills (.600) and no errors and sophomore OH JJ Quarrels (3 digs, 2 SA) had 10 kills.
Salmon (5 digs, 3 SA) led with 21 assists, while Arevalo again led with 16 digs. DeGroot added 12 digs and seven kills.
"Coming out of our first weekend of competition, 3-0 is definitely exciting," Neely added. "We have a lot more tough matches in pre-season yet to be played, so we are going to continue having our focus on improving and getting even better each day at practice.
"We cannot wait to welcome Mountie Nation back into our home gym on Wednesday (August 31) against Fullerton at 6:00 pm."
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.