Pierce takes rubber match in 1 vs. 2 battle

L.A. Pierce edged SBCC 3-1 on Friday night in the rubber match between the two top-ranked women's volleyball teams in the state. The scores of the WSC North match in Woodland Hills were 25-20, 27-25, 23-25, 26-24.

Just seven points separated the No. 1 Brahmas from the No. 2 Vaqueros and two of the sets went to overtime. Pierce won its sixth in a row and snapped the Vaqueros' 10-game win streak.

The Brahmas (22-1, 7-1) hit .159 and the Vaqueros (19-3, 7-1) were held to a season-low .079 percentage. Zaire Dartis led the Brahmas with 14 kills but hit just .035. Pierce won the first meeting 3-2 on Aug. 29 at home, then dropped a 3-1 decision on Oct. 7 in Santa Barbara.

Kaitlyn Clemann led the Vaqueros with 11 kills and six blocks. Katelynn Womack added eight kills and a career-high 27 digs. Paige Sabin had seven kills and hit .429. Tristen Thompson had 20 digs, Shiloe Parsons collected 39 assists and Isabella Thompson had six blocks.

"It was a great environment with the top two teams in the state battling tooth and nail all night," said coach Ed Gover. "Unfortunately our outside hitters had a rough night but Kaitlyn Clemann was outstanding on the right side. She was our go-to girl.

"It's always tough to play on the road."

SBCC travels to Hancock on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. match.