West Hills Starts CVC Season With Win Over Porterville

The West Hills College Coalinga Falcons won their fourth straight match - defeating Porterville College, 3-1, in Wednesday's Central Valley Conference home opener.

Despite having one of its lowest hitting percentage (.110) matches of the early season, the Falcons did enough to improve to 1-0 in the CVC and 5-5 overall. The five wins already equals the 2016 season total, when the program finished 5-16.

The Pirates controlled most of Game 1, and lead 24-19, before the Falcons rallied to score the final six points to win 26-24. The Falcons carried the momentum and cruised in Game 2, 25-15, taking a 2-0 lead.

Porterville battled back in Game 3, winning 25-23, but WHCC managed to regain command in Game 4 and closed the match with a 25-19 victory.

While the team struggled to find offense against a tough Porterville (0-1, 2-4) team, WHCC sophomore MB Brittany Dias enjoyed her best output of the season. Dias connected for 14 kills on 24 attempts (.458) and also lead the team with three solo blocks.

Freshmen setters Taylor Ramos (17 assists, 9 digs, 3 kills, 2 aces) and Chelaine Cates (14 assists, 9 digs) continued their consistent performances.

Other team leaders included OH Neisha Butler (7 kills, 5 digs, 2 aces), libero Sierra Allen (10 digs, 3 aces), and OH Carissa Plascencia (5 digs, 4 kills).

UP NEXT: The Falcons will host Taft College on Friday at 6 p.m.