L.A. Pierce beats defending champion Orange Coast to win sixth men's volleyball title

L.A. Pierce celebrates its four-set win over Orange Coast on Saturday night in the CCCAA Championship match at Fullerton College. (Photo by Richard Quinton)
L.A. Pierce celebrates its four-set win over Orange Coast on Saturday night in the CCCAA Championship match at Fullerton College. (Photo by Richard Quinton)
April 29, 2018

By Phil Thurman
Fullerton College Athletics

FULLERTON, Calif. - The No. 4 Los Angeles Pierce College Brahmas won their sixth title on Saturday night against the formidable No. 2 Orange Coast College Pirates with a four-set win in the 2018 California Community College Athletic Association Men's Volleyball State Championship at Fullerton College.

The Brahmas fought hard to win the opening set 25-22 before Orange Coast tied it up with a 25-17 victory in game two, but momentum swung hard in LAP's favor after fighting off a tenacious Pirate squad 31-29. In the fourth game, the Brahmas jumped out 17-10 lead, however OCC sweated it out getting back in it at 22-20. LAP finished strong under pressure and won it 25-21 laying claim to the 2018 CCCAA title. The last time Pierce won a state title was in 2003, a 3-1 victory over Golden West. The Brahmas also won it all in 1986, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2001, and 2002.


LAP finished their remarkable championship season with an overall record of 14-6 winning ten straight games. In that run, the Brahmas had only lost five sets. 

In his seventh season, L.A. Pierce head coach Lance Walker earns his first state championship.

Cole Chea was named the State Championship MVP after posting an incredible 21 digs in the final. 

Morgan Wadlow and Bernardo Roese and were named to the All-State Tournament team. Wadlow added 10 kills, while dished out 48 assists.

Orange Coast ends its season with a 20-3 overall record. Colby Elder and Kyle McCauley were both named to the All-State Tournament team. Elder had 30 assists and McCauley 17 kills.

Honored between game two and three were Naeri Tumanuvao and David Kniffen as they were inducted into the CCCAA Men's Volleyball Hall of Fame.

2018 CCCAA Men's Volleyball State Championship All-Tournament Team
MVP – Cole Chea – L.A. Pierce 
Morgan Wadlow – L.A. Piece
Bernardo Roese -  L.A. Pierce
Colby Elder – Orange Coast
Kyle McCauley – Orange Coast 
Pat Furlong – Irvine Valley
Steven Rotter – Long Beach City