Vaqueros show improvement against Ventura and Bakersfield

SBCC extended a couple of matches to three sets on Friday in a pair of 5-0 women's beach volleyball losses to Ventura and Bakersfield at Cal State Bakersfield.

Grace Trocki and McKenzie Garrison gave Raphaella Rosales/Vanessa Irke of Ventura everything they could handle before falling 16-21, 22-20, 15-12. In the 3s match, Lily Eaves had an asthma attack with her team trailing 21-10, 18-17 and had to retire.

"We had just come back to get within a point," said Vaquero coach Samantha Calisto. "We won the first set in the No. 1 match and narrowly lost the second in overtime. Grace and Kenzie battled the whole time.

"Madie Meyer played for the first time at the 2 position and played some rock-star defense to keep their match close."

Meyer and Jacque Ortegon lost 21-16, 21-13. The Vaqueros fell to 1-8 and 1-4 in the WSC in their inaugural season.

In the Bakersfield match,  Ortegon and Emma Esparza won the first set at No. 2 and then lost an extremely close 18-21, 22-20, 15-13 decision to Lanie Camarillo/Sarah Lopez.

"Jacque and Emma had a lead in all three sets but the energy of their opponents helped them score the last few points when it counted," said Calisto. "As a result of Lily's condition, we were only able to compete with three teams."

Calisto says her team is improving with every match.

"We are learning and making better plays on our first touch," she noted. "Now we have to master the art of finishing. We need to capitalize on our efforts and that's what we'll focus on at practice this week."

The Vaqueros will host Moorpark and Victor Valley on Friday in their last home match at East Beach.

Ventura 5, SBCC 0
1. Raphaella Rosales/Vanessa Irke (VC) def. Grace Trocki/McKenzie Garrison 16-21, 22-20, 15-12
2. Morgan Gallagher/Jordan Neria (VC) def. Jacque Ortegon/Madie Meyer 21-16, 21-13
3. Shantalle Ruiz/Kasie Spencer (VC) def. Emma Esparza/Lily Eaves 21-10, 18-17, retired
4. Brooklyn Wallet/Faith Mackie (VC) def. Michelle Orgel/Lea Bueker 21-4, 21-6
5. Kayla Hosch/Payton Grenier  (VC) won by default

Bakersfield 5, SBCC 0
1. Penelope Zepeda/Morgan Townson (BC)  def. Grace Trocki/McKenzie Garrison 21-15, 21-14
2. Lanie Camarillo/Sarah Lopez (BC) def. Jacque Ortegon/Emma Esparza 18-21, 22-20, 15-13
3. Kohra Garcia/Julianna Strode (BC) def. Madie Meyer/Michelle Orgel 21-9, 21-8
4. Jessica Merante/Precious Gonsalez (BC) won by default
5. Jade Johnson/McKenzie Villavazo (BC) won by default