Cypress – Behind a big night from All-West Region and first-team All-OEC outside hitter Lindsey Ray, the third-seed Cypress Chargers defeated 14-seed LA Pierce 3-0- (25-22, 25-20, 25-17) on Tuesday night in the first round of the SoCal Regionals. Cypress improves to 20-4, while LA Pierce ends its season with a record of 16-12.
The Chargers were cruising in game one, building up an eight point lead midway through the set, but the Brahmas went on a 9-1 run to tie the game at 13 all. LA Pierce then took the lead at 18-17, and extended the lead to 19-17 after a miscommunication at the net between setter Nae Bender and Ray. The Chargers would tie the game at 19 and then take the lead, but the Brahmas continued to fight, tying the game up three more times before a kill by Ray gave the Chargers the first set victory.
In set two, Ray played out of her mind, tallying 11 kills in a pivotal set which saw multiple ties and lead changes throughout for both teams. Leading 20-19, the Chargers would go on a 5-1 to close out the set for a win.
In the final set, the Chargers took control again and never allowed LA Pierce to challenge as they led by as many as eight, eventually winning 25-17.
Ray led the team with 19 kills, while tallying two aces. Makayla Taylor led the team in digs with 16.
Tonight's win marks the first time since the 2010 season that the Chargers have advanced out of the first round of playoff action.
Cypress will host rival and six-seed Fullerton College (16-6) on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 6:00 pm in the second round of the SoCal Regional Playoffs.
