The Olympian men's volleyball team extended its winning streak to four matches on Saturday following a 25-17, 25-17, 25-23 victory over Antelope Valley College and then a 23-25, 25-11, 21-25, 25-23, 21-19 nail biter against Santiago Canyon College.
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE
In one of their most complete games, the Olympians built an early 18-11 lead and never looked back. In previous games, the team would build a lead, only to allow the opponent back. In the second set, the Olympians once again started strong with a 17-11 lead, then proceeded to finish the set 25-17. As we've seen early this season, the coaching staff continues to experiment with the line-up. Head coach David Proffitt ran a 6-2 rotation instead of the normal 5-1 in the third set. After being down 4-8, forcing the team to call a timeout, the team was reminded to stay focused and the need to have a cleaner first contact. The team soon closed the gap and tied the match at 11-11. Austin Kinnear played tremendously, having 6 kills on 10 attempts with 0 errors. His play assisted in the 25-23 sweep.
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST SANTIAGO CANYON COLLEGE
Santiago Canyon College handed the Olympians their only loss as recent as February 3. In a close and tough match, the Hawks edged the Olympians 27-25, 22-25, 22-25, 25-21,15-22. This rematch didn't disappoint, and similar to their first meeting, would be decided in the final set. Unlike their first meeting, the Olympians played inspired volleyball, capturing the match 23-25, 25-11, 21-25, 25-23, 21-19.
"I feel like there's a little bit of a rivalry brewing between our programs," states head coach David Proffitt. "Both our teams are evenly matched and it's apparent that we bring out the best in each other."
The first set brought 7 lead changes. At one point, the Olympians were able to build a 22-20 lead, but the Hawks would go on a four-point run stealing the first set 23-25.
After a disappointing first set, Mesa came out of the gates firing on all cylinders with an 11-5 lead, which was followed by a score of 16-9. After forcing the Hawks to call their second timeout, the coaching staff stressed the team to stay aggressive and work extra hard to close set. The team followed suit by going on a 9-2 run to capture the set 25-11.
Tied at one set a piece, it was Santiago Canyon's turn to swing the momentum. The Hawks built a 6-12 lead forcing Proffitt to call a timeout, which was followed by Mesa closing the gap to 11-14 and eventually evening the important third set at 19-19. Once again, the momentum would swing after the Hawks called their second timeout. The Hawks would go on a run closing and capturing the third-set 25-21.
Down two sets to one, Santiago Canyon clearly with the momentum, took an early 4-8 lead forcing Proffitt to call his first timeout. Once again, the coaching staff reminded the team to calm down. "I just had to remind the guys that together we are a team and with that fact alone, anything is possible," explains Proffitt. "We are never out of any match as long as there is another whistle, another serve, and another chance to score a point." The team furiously clawed back into what could have been the deciding set to a 15-15 tie. The coaching staff also emphasized to play the game as it was 0-0 in the first set and play relaxed. The Olympians followed with 2 and 3 point runs closing the fourth set 25-23.
The fifth and final set was full of high drama as both teams battled. Throughout the set, the two teams were separated by one-point or tie, with the exception of 5-7 early in the set. Ricardo Lorja played amazingly in the fifth set with 3 kills, 0 errors and 3 attacks. TJ Letuligasenoa also had 3 kills, 1 error, and 8 attacks. They both led the team offensively. With only two lead changes, the Olympians were finally able to close out the Hawks 21-19, and avenge their loss from two weeks ago.
Jorge Hernandez did an amazing job stepping in for Austin Kinner who sat out the game against Santiago Canyon. This was Hernandez's first game of the season. "Jorge brings so much to this line-up and we are excited to have him back," states Proffitt. "He is going to provide an extra boost to the team with his positive attitude and extremely hard work ethic.
WHAT'S NEXT
The team will travel to Santa Monica to take on Moorpark today at 1:00 p.m., followed by Santa Monica College at 4:00 p.m.