It was the tale of two levels on Wednesday - the CCS JV looked like they had rarely seen a volleyball court before & the varsity looked like they invented the game.
In the early match the very young visitors played with enthusiasm, but were completely dominated by the Braves. In Game 1 the Conquerors had 7 servers and only 9 serves. Lompoc, in contrast, had 6 for 24, including an 8 serve run by Yolanda Aguiano to take the Braves to game point. Aside from the first few points of each game (3-3 1st, 1-1 2nd) CCS never led or was tied in the match.
The varsity however, was possibly the season's best starting six I've seen thus far. That might be their downfall at some point though - they only have six. No Libero. No subs. What they do have is a tightly functioning group of really good players like Bethany Young, and a tall, athletic Middle Blocker with a cannon arm and great touch. Remember the name Leslie Henry, the senior captain IS that good.
Game 1 was almost over before Lompoc even knew it started. The Conqs hit the initial seve into the net - point Braves. Then BOOM, two blocks, an ace, etc. and the visitors were ahead 5-1. Lompoc fought to get close (2-3 points) on several occasions, but the combination of excellent serving & Henry was too much. Throughout the match whenever CCS got in trouble in the middle of a point you knew the ball was going to the 'mistake eraser', and she delivered.
Game 2 saw more of the same. Lompoc kept it close early (7-5). Then the onslaught began. More tremendous serving, liberal application of the 'eraser', some Brave let-downs, and fine all-around work by the other two senior captains - JoAnn Lindstaedt & Koral Wright, resulted in a quick Conq win.
The locals came out fired up in Game 3. Buoyed by Brittany Bolusan, who played quite well the entire match, and great serving from Heidi Chavez, Lompoc raced out to an 8-2 advantage. Quality play from Lauren Powell, Carrie Rodriguez, and others helped the Braves to a 15-10 lead midway through. But CCS clawed their way back - creating a see-saw battle with ties at 16, 18, 19, 20, and 22 points. Then it got interesting.
A service ace & a service error by the visitors gave each team 23 points. A Lompoc Net Violation and a complete whiff on a spike attempt by CCS knotted the score at 24. A Bolusan kill gave the Braves a game point opportunity, but, after a very long rally, an Isabelle Unger stuff block kept the Conqs alive at 25. Lompoc then sent a rally return just long for a CCS match point, which they converted with yet another Henry kill.
It should be noted that Lompoc was again without the functional services of two of its better players. Jenna Grossini was still in street clothes. She continues to receive therapy on her foot/ankle and hopes to be able to play some next week. Coach Aaron Batula indicated that she would be on the same type of limited duty as Chyanne Thomas has been this week. Chyanne played, but was restricted to very limited minutes in Game 3.
Coastal Christian at Lompoc (Paisola Pavillion)
CCS 3, Lompoc 0
[25-17, 25-8, 27-25]
Conqs: Leslie Henry 13 kills, Roni Garrison 24 digs, JoAnn Lindstaedt 24 assists, Koral Wright 19 digs.
Braves: Brittany Bolusan 5 kills, Christina Landthaler 4 kills, Lauren Powell 3 kills, Heidi Chavez 14 assists, Becca Davis 6 digs.
Junior Varsity
Lompoc 2, CCS 0
[25-8, 25-11]
Boys Water Polo
The other shoe dropped, which was weird because they weren't wearing shoes in the pool, for the Conquistadors. After over-matching and out-manning St Joseph the day before, Cabrillo had the tables turned as they ran into a much tougher opponent up at AG.Cabrillo at Arroyo Grande
AG 16, Cabrillo 4 STORY
Eagles: Goals - Jack Empey 4, Nick Valente 4, Nick Chapman 3, David Vitt 2, Ryan Sverchek 2, Hunter Roberts 1. Saves - Chandler Mankins 9, Clint Coucette 6.
Conqs: Goals- Eduardo Cardenas 2, Alfredo Navarro 1, Nick Matulis 1.
Paso Robles at Santa Ynez
Tied 8 all at halftime, the Pirates broke open the game with a 5-2 3rd period.
Santa Ynez 16, Paso Robles 11
PR - 4,4,2,1- 11
SY - 5,3,5,3 - 16
Pirates: Goals - Karl Frederickson 4, Greg Hatchell 4, Eric Illes 3, Sawyer Crosby 2, John Lastra 2, Pappas 1 . Saves - Huddle 13.
Bearcats: Goals - Moore 5, Wilkinson 3, Norton 2, Maloney 1.
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