SANTA BARBARA – The SBCC beach volleyball team continued its undefeated start to the season on Thursday, winning every set in a pair of sweeps over Mesa Arizona and Cal Lutheran Club.
"We had great day Thursday out on the beach," head coach Ariana Garner said. "The sand was compact from the recent weather and our girls were jumping high and moving quickly through it. It was great to see multiple new pairs together, working out their game play and strategies."
SBCC 5, Mesa Arizona CC 0
1s: Olivia Medina & Jaceline McKie, 21-7,21-2
2s: Karoline Ruiz & Emma Crabbe, 21-11, 21-5
3s: Cori Tommeraason & Piper Ellbogn-Pettersen, 21-11, 21-16
4s: Irey Therese Sandholt & Paige Rudi, 21-7, 21-8
5s: Sophie Ward & Gabby Russell, 21-16, 21-14
The Vaqueros (6-0) won by double-digits in seven of 10 sets in their first match.
Garner –
"New pair Cori and Piper played great together for their first time. The two complement one another well with their fearless defense and ability to scrap for plays defensively. They served tough throughout the match and were able to be get the other team out of system which earned them the majority of their points.
"Karoline made her first appearance for us this season with partner Emma. As a pair they played great offensively, setting each other well. Karoline put a handful of balls down with force in part due to Emmas great up and down, quick tempo setting. This pair as a lot of potential and we are excited to see these close friends grow as partners on the court.
"At the 5's, Gabby and Sophie played another great match together. Gabby has really developed her game offensively and it was great to see her hitting her cut shots and high line shots. Sophie is a setter for the indoor team and has become a confident beach setter, helping Gabby create a space and attack the call gievn by Sophie."
SBCC 5, Cal Lutheran Club 0
1s: Olivia Medina & Jaceline McKie 21-9, 21-15
2s: Karoline Ruiz & Emma Crabbe 21-8-, 21-14
3s: Cori Tommeraason & Piper Ellbogn-Pettersen 21-7, 21-6
Garner –
"At the 1's Olivia and Jaceline played for the first time together and played fantastic together. As a smaller pair, their quick offense and tight ball control allows for them to up the tempo of the game and just play faster than the other teams offensively. They are able to spread the court with their controlled tempo setting and trusting each other with their calls.
"Overall we as a coaching staff are excited about the potential of this team as a whole and are looking forward to next week against IVC, Mira Costa and Mt. San Jacinto."
