It's only a few weeks into the 2021 season, but there is something magical happening for the Pasadena City College women's volleyball team. On Monday, PCC moved up to #1 among South Region teams and elevated to #3 in the CCCWVCA State Top 25 Rankings. On Wednesday night, the Lancers looked the part in dismantling #16 Long Beach in straight sets, 25-16, 25-12, 25-17.
Pasadena extended its winning streak to five matches, improved to 8-1 overall and stayed perfect in South Coast Conference play at 3-0. The Vikings dropped to 5-4 and lost for the first time in conference play at 3-1.
The team's offense has been one early concern for PCC head coach Mike Terrill, but against Long Beach, the Lancers hit a season-best .307 percentage. Leading the way was middle blocker Camila Sanchez-Tellez, who made the most of her 14 swings as she ripped 10 kills for a .571 efficiency. Outside hitter Nalani Young added eight kills (17 attempts), hit .353, and contributed 10 digs while fellow pin Sabiya Esquivel scored seven kills (.312). Other effective PCC middles were Paulina Lopez with six kills (.455) and Monet Latunde (.300) with five kills and four blocks.
Acrobatic libero Kei'ana Pascua once again led the team's state-best serve with five aces to go with 14 digs. PCC has totaled 10 or more aces in all but one of its matches and tops the state in team aces per set at 3.21. Another key to the win was the play of setters Annie Lay, who made 18 assists and twirled three aces, and Nayeli SalasOrtiz, who added 15 assists.
"Against Long Beach, our team played close to its potential," Terrill said. "Offensively, our setters shined and got many of our hitters season highs in efficiency. We played with confidence in all phases of the game. We were extremely competitive the last couple of days in practice, and it was fun to see our group transfer their intensity to matches."
Terrill also said that he's pleased with the way the team has won despite having to change lineups on several occasions, some due to injury and others to make adjustments to better the team's overall play.
Long Beach's top performer was Jennifer Lias with nine kills and nine digs. The Vikings' 24 kills were a team season low.
This Friday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., Pasadena plays at unranked El Camino College, a team that usually is tops in the SCC but has struggled at 3-9 overall, losing seven of its last eight matches. ECC is coming off of playing three consecutive 5-set matches, losing a non-conference one to Mt. San Jacinto on Wednesday after winning over SCC foe Los Angeles Harbor last week.