Rams Defeat COS After Difficult First Set

The Fresno City College Volleyball team added to their win streak on Sept. 27 by defeating College of the Sequoias in the second home game of the season. This win brings them closer to conference. FCC won the match 3-1.

The first set began with a heart-racing rally for the first point and constant spikes and blocks from both sides. COS blocked a spike sending the ball back to the Rams side and earning them the first point. This was an early indication on how intense the match was going to be.

The two teams struggled to maintain the point lead. It was a constant back and forth. It was looking good for the Rams, but COS quickly closed the gap and pulled ahead. In a close set, the Rams lost 21-25, putting COS ahead in sets 1-0.

Rams started set two with a better understanding of their opponent. Their attacks were stronger which made it difficult for COS to respond. The Rams quickly pulled ahead and maintained a 3-point lead. Outside hitter, Katie Emmerling, and right side hitter, Mia Corippo, performed an onslaught of spikes against COS.

The teams were locked in a rally until setter, Jenna Guinn, set the ball for outside hitter, Makayla Cervantes, to spike the ball near the edge of Sequoias court. Rams soon turned the 3-point lead into a 7-points lead.

COS attempted to catch up, but Rams maintained their lead until the end. Cervantes earned the set point, finishing the set at 25-18.

Sequoias swiftly placed themselves in the lead at the start of the third set and it looked concerning for FCC. Rams started closing that gap with their powerful spikes. Cervantes, and middle blocker, Shanea Laird both made spikes that sent COS running in attempts to return it.

Emmerling spiked the ball, which was returned by a dig, and Corippo, immediately returned it with another spike.

Rams caught up from their 3-point disadvantage and tied at 16 points. FCC turned the game in their favor and brought themselves to match point.

At match point, COS spiked the ball, but Emmerling digged, deflecting the ball to Cervantes and setter Ally Cooper to set the ball for Emmerling to score the point and win the set. The third set ended at 25-18.

Set four began with COS once again pulling ahead, but the Rams understood their opponent better by this point. They caught up very quickly and tied at seven points. Rams gain a 1-point lead while COS desperately tried to catch up.

The lead widened to five points after an epic rally and great plays by the Rams. Middle blocker, Shanea Laird, blocked a spike, then COS returned the ball. Libero, Mandy Campise saves the ball and keeps it in play. Emmerling, spiked the ball and ended that rally.

COS was only capable of earning one more point while Rams earned seven points to finish the set. Sequoias hit the ball out of bounds ending the set at 25-14.

The match finished at 3-1. It was a well-deserved and strategic win for the Rams, who adapted, played to their opponent’s weaknesses, made a great hustle.

Head coach, Kieran Roblee, commended Sequoias on their performance, saying, “COS came to get us tonight. They played with a purpose.” Roblee added, “We want to play teams like that, that are out to get it.”