Friend, Thompson guide Vaqueros to ninth straight win

Shannon Friend posted season highs in kills (24) and hitting percentage (.512) on Friday night and Tristen Thompson notched 25 kills as SBCC beat L.A. Mission 3-1 in Sylmar. The scores were 25-23, 21-25, 25-18, 26-24.

The Vaqueros, ranked No. 2 in California, won for the ninth straight time to boost their record to 18-2 overall and 6-0 in the WSC North. The three-time defending conference champs are 38-2 in their last 40 conference matches. The Eagles are 8-7 and 3-3.

Katelynn Womack had a double-double with 13 kills and 14 digs for the Vaqueros, who overcame a 24-23 deficit in the fourth set. Friend made just two errors in 43 total attacks.

Raleigh McKinney had a season-high 22 digs and Hillary Bean added 15. Shiloe Parsons handed out 46 assists.

"Shannon Friend was the star tonight, getting key sideouts to initiate a great comeback win in the fourth set," said coach Ed Gover after the 320th win of his 25-year SBCC career. "Raleigh's serving kept them off balance all night.

"We were down 24-23 in the fourth and Hillary Bean's steady serving sparked our comeback. Tristen Thompson showed her excellent digging skills throughout the match."

The Vaqueros host Cuesta on Wednesday at 6 p.m.