The atmosphere in the Mt. SAC Gymnasium was electric, with tension palpable as the Mounties faced off against the unbeaten Long Beach City College Vikings. After two hours and 31 minutes and five nail-biting sets, the Vikings narrowly emerged victorious, defeating the Mounties 3-2 in an intense battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
From the opening serve, both teams exhibited their determination, engaging in long rallies, punctuated by heroic dives and fierce blocks. Long Beach struck first, taking the first set 25-16, showcasing their strong offensive skills. However, Mt. SAC rallied in the second set, demonstrating their grit and tenacity with a 25-19 win.
As the match progressed, the teams continued to exchange victories, with Long Beach clinching the third set 25-19 and Mt. SAC responding with a spirited 25-20 victory in the fourth. In the fifth and final set, the crowd roared and the bleachers shook with each blow of the whistle. However, the Vikings took the set by a mere three points with a score of 15-12, maintaining their unbeaten record.
"Although we came up a few points short, I am really proud of the fight our team put up," Coach Neely said. "We battled and each player executed our scouting report well. I think this is the first time this season that we played to our full potential as a team, and now we know what we can bring to every game. If we can compete with the best in the state, we can compete with any other team we play this season."
The match featured standout performances from middle blockers Itzel Aguayo and Jordyn Romano, who had an incredible performances at the net, recording four and six blocks respectively. Libero Maya Tiscareno excelled defensively, with 14 digs, defending the court, keeping plays alive and covering for her hitters.
Despite the tough loss, Mt. SAC demonstrated growth and mental toughness, which set a strong foundation for the remainder of the season. Overall, this was an impressive display of athletic talent coupled with support from fellow student-athletes and performances by the cheer and dance squad. "The crowd was incredible," Coach Neely noted. "There were so many students, employees and community members that came to support and make some real noise. That kind of energy motivated us to compete well."
With this match, Mt. SAC's record now stands at 10-6, while Long Beach remains unbeaten at 12-0. The Mounties are currently ranked No. 6 in Southern California and No. 11 in the state, while Long Beach holds the No. 1 spot in Southern California and No. 3 in the state.
The Mounties will return to action at home on Friday, October 4, at 6:00 PM against Rio Hondo. Fans are encouraged to support the team and add to the excitement.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.
