Volleyball Struggling Entering SCC Play

The Pasadena City College women’s volleyball team won a set v. state No. 16-ranked Pierce during the Pierce-hosted Brahma Invitational September 26-27. Right now, it’s the only “win” PCC has recorded in a rough 0-6 match start to the 2014 season. The Lancers played hard in in a 4-set loss to Pierce, but were swept by unranked Bakersfield and No. 20 San Diego Mesa.

Against Pierce, the Lancers fell, 25-22, 28-26, 19-25, 25-19, as freshman outside hitter Lahiz Longobardi pounded nine kills while rookie middle blocker Chy’annea Hodges had five kills and posted four solo blocks. Sophomore transfer libero Sabrina Takeuchi added 23 digs.

PCC had no answers for Bakersfield, a team that hit .480, in a sweep over the Lancers, 25-10, 25-15, 25-15. Things started out a little better against Mesa, but while PCC played closely in the second set, it was an ugly finish in a 25-16, 26-24, 25-7 defeat.

Longobardi, an international student from Brazil, has been one of the few Lancers producing with 21 kills and 27 digs in the three tournament matches.

“Until we can learn to pass well, the team is not going to make strides,” said PCC head coach Bill Sanchez. “We’ve faced some tough teams in pre-conference, but we can’t use that as an excuse. We have to improve and we have to get better even against some weaker teams in the South Coast.”

The Lancers travel to face No. 23-ranked Orange Coast College on Wednesday, Oct. 1 before opening the 16-match, SCC schedule on Friday, Oct. 3 when they host Mt. San Antonio. That will be PCC’s home opener at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.

Release Date: 09/30/14
Robert Lewis, Sports Information
Phone: 626-585-7018, Email: rmlewis@pasadena.edu

Fall Sports