Orange Coast College

Women's Volleyball: Pirates upset L.A. Pierce in four to earn trip to State Tournament!

Monday, December 01, 2008

WOODLAND HILLS -- The Orange Coast College women's volleyball team has earned a trip to the "Big Dance" after upsetting top-seeded L.A. Pierce in four games on Saturday night at the Southern California Regional Finals.

Led by 13 kills from Briana Fields, the Pirates (20-4) handed the Brahmas (30-2) their first home loss in 61 matches with a 25-21, 14-25, 25-22, 25-22 shocker.

Christina Richards added seven kills as the Pirates' middle blockers controlled the offense the entire night. Outside hitters Rachel Freeno and Jessica Bodkin combined for 10 kills, while freshman opposite Karlee Skalla added five kills. Heck, even setter Emily Lyon got into the act with six kills to go along with her 31 assists.

The key to success for the Pirates was their inspired defensive play as they combined for 58 digs against the high-flying offense of the Brahmas. Sophomore Jena Curry led the way with 20 digs, while libero Amanda Cheseborough added 15 and Freeno contributed 12.

"Playing in the Orange Empire Conference, where there were dogfights that went four or five games nearly every match, certainly helped us prepare for the playoffs," OCC head coach Chuck Cutenese said. "We were able to put up some blocks and dig more balls than Pierce was expecting and we were able to come away with the win."

Without the services of All-State and Western State Conference South MVP Sarah Martin, the Brahmas were led by Vanessa Murray with 27 kills. Libero Ashley Clark tallied 35 digs and setter Terry Soltani dished out 50 assists.

With the win, OCC advances to the California Community College Athletic Association Women's Volleyball State Championships, set for Dec. 5-7 at Pasadena City College.

The Pirates, seeded No. 1 from the south, will take on the north's fourth-seeded Fresno City (25-5) on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

"We want to go in there and try and win this thing," Cutenese said. "We're not satisfied just getting to the state tournament. We want to win it."