Volleyball: Size and depth too much for Falcons to overcome

File Photo: Breanna Lizarraga led the Falcons in digs against Pasadena City
File Photo: Breanna Lizarraga led the Falcons in digs against Pasadena City

Facing the #3-ranked team in the state, the Cerritos College volleyball team had no response for the size and depth of Pasadena City College in their 12-25, 17-25, 9-25 South Coast Conference loss on Wednesday. The loss was the second in a row and third in their last four matches for the Falcons (8-5, 4-3), who return home on Friday for a 6:00 p.m. conference match against Los Angeles Harbor College.

In the setback against the Lancers, (12-1, 7-0), Cerritos was able to extend rallies early on with their strong defense, but didn't have the finishing power on offense to put points in the board. Pasadena City turned to Nalani Young, Monet Latunde and Camilla Sanchez-Tellez for most of the match, as they combined for 29 kills without a hitting error. As a team, PCC hit .389, while Cerritos ended the night with a negative hitting percentage.

It wasn't all bad for the Falcons, as they showed they were able to match long rallies with their opponent. Freshman libero Breanna Lizarraga (Paramount HS) led all players with 15 digs, while Cerritos turned in some very impressive back row defense at times. Freshman setter Carissa Mendibles (Downey HS) dished out 18 assists, while also contributing six digs, with the duo of Marissa Mendibles (Downey HS) and Ava Villaflores (La Mirada HS) each produced five digs.

Offensively, the trio of Maleah Gonzales (Schurr HS), Aiyana Sierra (La Mirada HS) and Madison Borja (La Mirada HS) all finished with five kills, with Borja also posting a pair of service aces. The Lancers entered the match with the most service aces in the state, but had to wait until the second set to record their first, thanks to the fine serve reception by the Falcons.