Central Arizona College (CAZ) started the game pulling ahead by 2 points, but they just couldn’t get any further ahead as the Bruins at the net seemed to be too tall for them.
Janessa Koelliker, Hannah Wade and Bailee Kendall set up a wall that kept CAZ in check turning shots back with ease.
The turning point for the first set came when the Bruins scored point 15. CAZ was up by 1, but SLCC’s body language changed.
The Bruins used their swagger and their confidence to reel off 5 unanswered points. Those would be the difference in the set as SLCC wins 25 to 20 on an ace serve.
Set 2
SLCC and CAZ went back and forth as the teams were never separated by more than two points. Carol Grasso’s hustle, Koelliker’s power and Kendall’s fire were on display during the first 15 points.
Grasso showed some serious ups when she spiked the ball to get the Bruins ahead by one at 25 to 24, but it was her ace to end the game that gave SLCC its second set.
Set 3
The Bruins seemed to lose focus as they spotted the Vaqueras 6 points and the score was 6 to 12. Koelliker overpowered CAZ on points 7 and 8 with a kill. She was a part of the hustle and power that brought the Bruins to within 2 points at 11 to 13.
The Bruin effort could not be sustained, and CAZ scored 4 unanswered points, and the team would drop the set at 20 to 25.
Set 4
Adria Downs, Koelliker and Grasso led the Bruins to a 4 to 1 advantage with Grasso using a well-placed short serve on point 4 to fool the Vaqueras. However, CAZ would make a comeback and tie the score at 8 all.
From that point on, the two teams were in a dogfight with the Vaqueras trying to extend the match and the Bruins trying to close it out.
Kendall displayed her power, and Grasso hit a cross court shot that tied the game at 27. The Bruins that that they had won the game, but after a controversial touch call had to continue playing. In spite of the setback, they finished off the Vaqueras 32 to 30 for their second win of the day.
Indigo Allen had 16 digs in the match, and was all over the court with her hustle play.
The Bruins play on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Students get in for free with their OneCard.
For the best in participatory sports, show up during warm ups. The team practices their spikes, and the balls come flying into the audience. Sorry, no souvenirs. You will have to throw them back, politely.
Watch globeslcc.com for an update tomorrow evening after the games.
