The Olympians had January 31, 2024 circled on their calendar as it was an early opportunity to exact some revenge against Long Beach City College. The Vikings previously knocked out the Olympians in the semifinals of the 2023 CCCAA State Championships. The team came out strong with solid serving and passing taking the first two sets 25-21, 25-23.

After a slow start, the Vikings came back strong in the third and fourth set with a solid side-out game and great defensive play. The Vikings incredible coverage only allowed Mesa 3 blocks the entire match. 

The fourth-set didn't fare well for the Olympians. After struggling to get out of a couple of rotations, Long Beach created a large margin, only allowing 7 points in the 4th set, dropping the set 7-25

In the fifth-set, the Olympians showed their resilience, and along with great serving, captured the decider 15-13. Sophomore setter Colton Pillsbury set the tone with great and timely serving. Pillsbury was able to build a four point lead with aces down the right sideline. 

STANDOUT PLAYERS
Colton Pillsbury (Setter) - 4 Aces. 25 assists, 13 digs and Logan Shepard (Setter)- 4 assists, 13 digs

Ricardo Lorja (Opp.MB) had an amazing match racking up 10 kills on 18 attacks with only 1 hitting error for a .500 hitting efficiency. Lorja plays multiple positions at both middle and opposite for the Olympians. He is a dynamic athlete and is often a show stopper when attacking or blocking, although don't be surprised if he fills up the ace stat category here very soon.

Brandon Underwood (Opp)– Brandon led the team in kills with 14 kills on 32 attempts for a .313 hitting efficiency.