By Wes McCurtis
EL CAJON, CA – The Cypress College women's volleyball team began their season with two big victories in Friday's 3-way tournament hosted by Grossmont College. The Chargers began the day with a hard fought victory over Mt. SAC in five sets (25-21, 16-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-5) before knocking off Grossmont in another five-set thriller (25-18, 25-19, 16-25, 23-25, 17-15).
The Chargers took the first set over Mt. SAC but quickly found themselves in a 2-1 hole after the Mounties took the next two sets. With their backs against the wall early in the season, the Chargers responded with a gutty performance in the fourth and fifth sets to steal the match.
Freshman Khamis Berneker led the way for Cypress with 11 kills and 8 digs. Sophomore Brianna Johnson added 6 kills and 7 digs.
Cypress followed up the Mt. SAC victory later in the day against last year's state semifinalists Grossmont. This time the Chargers took the first two sets to take a 2-0 lead over the Griffins. However, the battletested Grossmont team did not back down as they stole the next two sets to force a fifth. Cypress trailed 8-12 early in the fifth set before going on a 6-0 run, capped off by a Johnson kill, to take a 14-12 lead and ultimately win the match.
The defending OEC Champion Chargers return to action on the road against El Camino this Wednesday at 6:00 pm before traveling to the San Diego Mesa Tournament Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9.
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.