Cypress, CA- Cypress College (19-9, 10-4) capped off the regular season with a 3-0 victory (25-19, 25-16, 25-23) over Saddleback (5-17, 2-12) at home on Wednesday night.
The Cypress win clinches a second place finish in the Orange Empire Conference after Golden West swept Fullerton. Sophomore Madison May led the team with 13 kills and 2 total blocks while Rockelle Gholson followed behind with 10 kills and 2 assist blocks. Freshman setter Amy Crowell created 18 assists while Dominique Parker added 16 assists.
Before the game, sophomores Kim Calinawan, Jazmyn Covington, and Madison May were recognized for their contributions to the team. Coach Nancy Welliver handed them each a gift while the gymnasium rose in applause.
The Chargers opened up the first set with a 7-4 lead. The Gauchos tried to fight back but the Chargers kept them at bay, never giving up the lead. The home team pulled away with a 21-15 lead and closed the first set 25-19.
The Gauchos looked to upset the Chargers after jumping ahead 10-6. However, with the Gauchos leading 13-9, a Dominique Parker service led a four-point rally to even the score. The Gauchos regained the lead, but it was short-lived as the Chargers went on a 12-3 run to take the second set 25-16.
The final set was nearly identical to the second set, as the Gauchos jumped out to a 9-6 lead. Thanks to some crafty serves by freshman Emily Witz the Chargers went on a 6-0 run to take a 12-9 lead. The Chargers held a 22-17 advantage later in the set, but the Gauchos rallied to tie the game at 23. With the Chargers up 24-23, Coach Welliver sent in serving specialist Demi Nicholson to end the game. The Gauchos misplayed Nicholson's serve and the Chargers took the final set 25-23.
The Chargers look to begin their playoff run in the SoCal Regionals beginning on Tuesday, November 24th. The opponent and location is to be announced.
