2016 Preview: Coach Terrill Shaping Lancers Volleyball In New Frontier

With a new, full-time head coach in Mike Terrill and a revamped South Coast Conference, the 2016 Pasadena City College women's volleyball team will be on a learning curve as the Lancers reach toward building a contender in conference.

The South Coast added Rio Hondo and Chaffey Colleges from the now defunct Foothill Conference as PCC faces those two new opponents along with long-time rival Mt. San Antonio, LA Trade Tech, and East Los Angeles in the newly formed SCC North Division. In past years, PCC has had to challenge perennial state power El Camino for the conference crown, but now the Warriors are patrolling things in the SCC South Division. 

Terrill is taking things one step at a time as he prepares a '16 Lancers squad that returns four lettermen from a 14-9 team that made the regional playoffs last season. Rayleen Rivera, an opposite last season, returns as one of the team's starting outside hitters. Rivera, who averaged 1.43 kills and 1.73 digs last season in a team-high 80 sets, is expected to be a leader for the Lancers.

"Ray plays the whole game well, serving, passing, and digging," Terrill said. "She's a vocal leader and brings a fire to the team. If she plays consistently, she has the ability to be a go-to offensive player for us."

Also returning and switching positions is Monica Hernandez, who was a setter last year and now will be relied on in the important libero defensive spot. Hernandez averaged 2.01 digs in 2015 and made a team-high 13 digs in the Lancers' play-in, regional playoff loss to Mt. SAC. 

"Monica is consistent and reliable on serve receive and passing," Terrill said. "She reads the game well and she can be an anchor on defense."

Returning at setter is Hannah Clarke (318 assists, 4.42 average), who will split time in a 6-2 offense with freshman Emily Leung (from Maranatha High).

"Hannah is a great all-around player and brings maturity as a second-year player here. She could have battled for the libero spot because of her defensive prowess. Meanwhile, Emily is a dynamic talent as well. Both do such a good job of connecting with their teammates, it made sense to go to a 6-2 because they are similar in their style of play."

Also returning are opposite Shawna Ogata and Michelle Boyd, a defensive specialist who comes back to the squad from two seasons ago. Boyd led the '14 team in service aces with 27 and averaged 1.96 digs per set. 

"Michelle is a good athlete from the back row who can score from the service line. She will shore up our passing as well. Shawna brings a calming presence for this group. She's improved her game."

After Leung, PCC's freshmen group is paced by 6-foot opposite Chyna Peeler, who was a top player at Birmingham Community Charter High, and 5-11 middle blocker Lania Potter, from local Muir High, and 5-10 middle blocker and Arcadia High product Amanda Pickering. 

"Lania could turn into a defensive force because she has a great growth mindset, always willing to learn. Chyna can score points for us blocking and attacking on the right side. If she develops, she can be a key contributor. Amanda is another steady presence and gives us more size at the net."

Leung, Pickering and frosh defensive specialist Kelsey Sarreal, an All-Pacific League Second Team selection from Arcadia, each made it to the West San Gabriel Valley Prep All-Stars last year.

Rounding out the Lancers' 15-player roster are freshmen in outside hitter Kendall Schmedes (Maranatha High), defensive specialist Alissa Sanchez (Chino High), outside hitter Vanessa Lopez (Elizabeth Learning Center), and middle blocker Danielle Castillo (Azusa). 

Terrill talked about what he expects from his team.

"One of our goals is to serve tough and play relentlessly on defense. We have to outwork opponents. That's the identity we want. It's going to take a lot of dedication from the players. We have a mindset to make continual improvement, a little bit every day."

Terrill's head coaching debut and the Lancers' 2016 season opener is this Friday, Aug. 26 at 12 noon when they face last year's state No. 11-ranked MiraCosta at the 2nd Pierce College Kickoff Classic. PCC will play again later Friday and follow with two more matches on Saturday. Check this website for matchups and times as they become available and follow us on twitter: @PCCAthletics.

[Archive Photo--Lancer Rayleen Rivera in action last season.]