Published on September 14, 2009
Zach Poisal
Staff writer
The Moorpark women’s volleyball team began its onslaught with a three set sweep (25-10, 25-11, 25-15) in match one of the doubleheader Saturday against Santa Monica City College.
Olivia White had 35 assists against the Corsairs, while Erika Smith added six digs for Moorpark (2-0), who never gave the Corsairs any chance.
The hitting parade continued into the second match of the double header, as the Raiders completed another sweep, beating Golden West College in 3 sets (25-18, 27-25, 25-22).
When Moorpark got a lead, they rarely let it slip away from them. The first set was a prime example, never trailing after they took an 8-7 lead. The Raiders outscored Golden West 18-11 to take the first set 25-18.
Confusion between Golden West’s coach Bill Lawler and the officials caused large delays in the second set, and helped spark a comeback from Moorpark.
Trailing 9-15 midway through the set, the Raiders took the timely delay as a chance to gather themselves and mount an entertaining comeback. Smart plays, hustle and scorching hot kills from Una Siljegovic, allowed Moorpark to climb back into the set and take the lead. The Raiders sealed the deal with a kill from Shalika Balkhi, taking the set 27-25.
The final set proved to be the most challenging for the Raiders. In the first six points, there were three lead changes and three ties, but after the set was tied 6-6, the Raiders would not have a letdown.
The Raider hitters did not seem to have any trouble placing the ball where they wanted. Big hitting and stellar defense was the key to gaining an 8 point lead at 20-12.
The set and match seemed in the bag until a late rally by Golden West. It got interesting when the lead was cut down to two points at 22-20.
The last surge from the visiting Golden West team was too little, too late going down in flames when Siljegovic fired another game-winning kill. The Siljegovic kill locked up the 25-22 set, and match, sweeping the competition 3-0.