Middles Make Difference In Volleyball's 2 Triumphs At SBCC Quad

One of the strengths of the 2023 Pasadena City College women's volleyball team is the squad's middle blocker attack. The group showed their power on Saturday in the Lancers 4-set win over Santa Barbara City and a sweep over Bakersfield at the SBCC Quad. PCC has won three straight to move its record to 4-2. 

Against host Santa Barbara, the Lancers outlasted the Vaqueros, 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 26-24. Letterman MB Ashley Gilbert totaled four attack kills and three solo blocks while frosh MB Itzel Aguayo tallied four kills and four blocks (two solos). The pair opened things up for the outside hitting duo of Emma Yogan and Reese Roper. Yogan pounded 21 kills (hit .340) with four aces, nine digs, and two block assists while Roper landed 15 kills (.262) and added 12 digs. 

Libero Makayal Chiechi had one of her most productive matches in her two seasons with 20 digs, four aces and three set assists. Opposite Kyley Chang contributed nine kills. Starting setter Lindsay Delgadillo dished out 37 assists, had nine digs, two aces, and two blocks. Reserve setter Shaylee Ungos chipped in seven assists, three digs, an ace and a solo block.

Gilbert and the 6-1 Aguayo completely controlled the win over Bakersfield, 27-25, 25-23, 25-16. The tight first two sets were followed up with a strong third-set performance to close it out. Gilbert ripped 11 kills in just 17 attacks (no errors, hit .647) and scored four blocks while Aguayo scored nine kills in 17 attacks (.412) and had a solo block. Delgadillo set 37 assists with eight digs and two aces.

Outside hitter Ashley Marrone tallied five kills, Chang had six and two block solos, Yogan scored five kills and defended 10 digs, and Roper had four kills. Chiechi was sharp again with 12 digs, three aces and a kill. 

"This week I've been inspired and impressed by our team," said PCC head coach Mike Terrill. "We've dealt with a lot of adversity and have grown mentally stronger and closer because of it.  We've improved our serving and passing game, and therefore offensive efficiency has ticked up and we've blocked and defended at a higher level.  It's exciting to see the growth in our squad as we prepare for a challenging rest of the season!"

The Lancers next play at Moorpark on Wednesday, Sept. 6 in a 6 p.m. match.