By Wes McCurtis
CYPRESS, CA – The No. 5 Chargers defeated No. 12 Canyons 3-0 in their Southern California Regional 1st round match-up at home on Tuesday night (25-21, 25-21, 25-11).
Samantha Madrid led the way for Cypress with 15 kills, 3 blocks, and 3 block assists. Brianna Johnson added 10 kills in 15 attempts with 2 block assists.
It was a back and forth game as the teams traded points early in the first set. Trailing 17-19, the Chargers called a timeout as Canyons began to gain momentum. Out of the timeout, back-to-back kills from Willa Allshouse and Rockelle Gholson tied the game at 20 apiece. A block by Madrid gave the Chargers a 20-19 lead and they went on to win the first set 25-21.
Canyons took an early 7-3 lead to begin the second set as Cougars' sophomore Ashley Sargent served up 4 straight points. However, the Chargers battled back with strong defensive play at the net from Madrid and Johnson to tie the game 7-7. Trailing 15-18, the Chargers went on another late rally to take the second set 25-21.
After close calls in the first 2 sets, the Chargers dominated the third and final set to close out the match with a decisive 25-11 victory.
Cypress will host No. 13 Moorpark in the 2nd round of the Southern California Regional this Saturday, November 26 at 6:00 p.m. in Gym II. Tickets to the CCCAA postseason event are $12 for general admission and $8 for faculty, staff, students, and children.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
