Women's Volleyball Ends Pierce Tourney On Winning Note

It didn't start well, but the 2017 season-opening Pierce Kickoff Classic ended with the Pasadena City College women's volleyball team turning in its first victory in a sweep over Rio Hondo, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, on Saturday.

The Lancers were beaten by three 2016 state Top 25 teams at the tourney, including a morning 3-set loss to MiraCosta (25-16, 25-17, 25-12), and then faced a South Coast Conference North Division rival in Rio Hondo. The Roadrunners played PCC tough, but the Lancers (1-3 record) prevailed with just an 8-point total differential in the sweep. 

Sophomore outside hitter Vanessa Lopez tallied team highs with 14 kills, 17 digs and three aces while letterman OH Paige Clingaman hit a clean .500 without an error on 13 kills in 26 attempts. Sophomore setter Emily Leung was solid with 45 assists and two kills while freshman opposite Danielle Johnson added eight kills. Frosh libero Grace Crawford and redshirt defensive specialist Pamela Galvan each recorded 13 digs. Frosh DS Emily Ramirez chipped in three aces. First-year OH Rachel Johnson had six kills and two solo blocks.

Lopez, an All-SCC Second Team selection last season, has established herself as the team's most consistent player early on with 35 kills and 35 digs in the four tournament matches. She is hitting .250 and continues to be a sound server with five aces. Leung totaled 124 assists and her 9.54 per set will keep her among the state leaders.

On Friday, Sept. 1, PCC returns to action with a non-conference match at Glendale College. First serve is 6 p.m.