Women's Volleyball Sweeps Up Home Court Against Chaffey

Citrus College Women's Volleyball came into tonight's home match against rival Chaffey College, yearning to find it's identity and establish itself as a conference contender in the 2017 season. The Owls would apply that desire in a three game routing of the Panthers, asserting control at the net, and in the backcourt. The Owls' Libero Natalia Castro set the tone early for Citrus, sparking the team defense with hustle plays and big league digs. And the Owls offense would follow suit, controlling the net for much of the first set. Chaffey fought off runs by Citrus with solid defensive play of their own. But the Owls would display poise and confidence, as setter Tiana Gildernew and opposite hitter Briana Voght went on long serving runs to seal up game 1 in Citrus' favor, 25-19. 

Set 2 would bring a slightly different look for Chaffey as they stole back control of the net and put up an impenetrable wall that Citrus struggled to break down. But right side hitter Voght would find opportunity in adversity and went to her tool shots to counter the Panther block. Chaffey dug deep into it's bench, showing the depth of their roster, and the quiet confidence of first year coach Briana Gonzalez-Harwell. But Citrus was too much to handle, as they put together point runs with strong defensive play and a potent counter-attack. Gildernew would end up jousting at the net with the Chaffey middle after an 9 posession rally, winning the duel and firing her team up. Citrus went on from there to build sizable leads moving into the end of set 2. Chaffey battled back and closed the gap several times with tough serving and relentless defense. The Panthers had the opportunity to go ahead late in the game, but missed crucial opportunities from the service line. Citrus outside hitter Leah Price would show her moxy as she finished the second game with two monster kills, shutting the Panthers down and taking a 2-0 game lead.

The third set would be breakaway for Citrus as they once again built large leads throughout. Veteran coach Shin Jung would exercise skill in maintaining team rhythm and momentum while utilizing his bench players. The bench players would hold a tight grasp on the Citrus lead throughout the set, and would expand the lead, finishing the game with several gritty transition plays and continued defensive spirit. Middle blocker Iris Bernal put the exclamation point on the win with a monster solo block versus a Chaffey quick attack in the middle.

Citrus improves to 6-7 on the season. The Owls play this Friday at the San Diego Mesa College Quad, in a 3 match stand.