COD Volleyball Serves Up Win in Home Opener

College of the Desert Women's Volleyball bounced back from a slow start Tuesday night, rallying to defeat the Imperial Valley Desert Warriors 3-1 in the Roadrunners' home opener.

COD (2-3) dropped the opening set before responding with three consecutive set victories to grab the win, 14-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-15. The Roadrunners overcame a first-set loss and survived a thrilling third-set battle before pulling away in the fourth to secure the victory over the Desert Warriors (1-1).

The win continued College of the Desert's recent success against Imperial Valley. The two programs first met in 1976, and the Roadrunners now hold a 29-14 advantage in the all-time series. COD owns an 11-7 record against the Desert Warriors in Palm Desert and is unbeaten in its last six matches against Imperial Valley, having won 12 of the last 13 meetings dating back to 2016.

Sophomore right side Faiyth Robinson (Bermuda Dunes Desert Christian Academy) led the Roadrunners with a career-high 19 kills. She also recorded three service aces, 13 digs and a career-high two block assists.

Sophomore setter Juliette Rothe (Palm Desert Xavier College Prep) orchestrated the offense with 47 set assists, the second-highest single-match total of her career. Rothe also led the Roadrunners with five service aces, the third-highest total of her career, while adding 19 digs.

Sophomore outside hitter Amber Kardol (Palm Desert High School) added a career-high 17 kills and 10 digs.

Sophomore libero Meriah Escobedo (Palm Desert Xavier College Prep) anchored the Roadrunner defense with a career-high 22 digs.

Sophomore outside hitter Sarah Nieto (La Quinta High School) continued her strong return to the court following a three-year hiatus, recording a career-high 12 kills. She also collected two block assists, marking the fourth multi-block-assist match of her career.

Freshman outside hitter Bella Lucero (Indio High School) led the Roadrunners with a season-high three block assists, while freshman defensive specialist Addison Curtis (La Quinta High School) contributed a season-high nine digs.

Up Next

The Roadrunners will continue non-conference play Wednesday, September 2, when they travel to Moorpark College for the Raiders Tri. COD will face the Fullerton Hornets and host Moorpark Raiders.

College of the Desert first met Fullerton in 1997 and holds a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series. The Roadrunners are 2-1 against the Hornets on a neutral court and have won each of the last three meetings dating back to 2023.

COD first competed against Moorpark in 2012 and enters the matchup with a 1-3 all-time record against the Raiders. The Roadrunners are still seeking their first victory at Moorpark, holding an 0-1 record on the Raiders' home floor. COD earned its first victory in program history over Moorpark on August 27, 2025, at the Hornets Tri hosted by Fullerton College.

The Roadrunners return home Wednesday, September 9, when they host the College of the Canyons Cougars in non-conference action at 5 p.m.

COD and Canyons first met in 1976, with the Cougars holding a 4-1 advantage in the all-time series. The Roadrunners are 0-1 against Canyons in Palm Desert. College of the Desert earned its first victory over the Cougars on September 10, 2025, in Santa Clarita.

Follow COD Athletics on Twitter @COD_Athletics Instagram @COD_Athletics or Facebook @College of the Desert Athletics

For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.