Warriors Cruise Past L.A. Trade Tech in Conference Opener

TORRANCE, Calif. – El Camino College got Western State Conference, South Division action started on the right note, sweeping past Los Angeles Trade Tech 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-10) Friday night at the ECC South Gym.

The Warriors (6-5, 1-0) held the Beavers (0-7, 0-1) to a negative attack percentage while protecting the net with 14 blocks (2 solo) on the night.

Max Perez and Matt Carter led the defensive effort up front with four blocks apiece while Erik Jensen led the attack with seven kills. Victor Villarreal added six kills without an error, attacking at a .750 clip (6-0-8). Malaki Tauiliili dished out a match-high 20 assists, helping set the Warriors to a .329 attack percentage (32-8-73).

The Warriors led wire-to-wire in the opening set, grabbing the first two points and eventually running out to a 10-1 advantage. The Warriors hit .455 in the set as Villareal was perfect on the attack with three kills and no errors. Christopher Phanngam led the defense with six digs and Carter had three of his blocks in the opening frame.

The second set was the closest of the night as the teams were tied three times, but all that came early. The Beaversgot out to a 3-1 lead but the Warriors ripped off three straight points to take the lead. After Javier Santa Cruz recorded a kill to tie the score, the Warriors answered with a 4-0 spurt to get out in front. The Beavers would cut the deficit down to two before a 10-1 run gave ECC the separation they needed and the Warriors went on to take a 2-0 lead.

The third set was another rout by the Warriors as they never trailed and jumped out to a 13-3 advantage. After a kill by the Beavers, the Warriors ran off another three consecutive points and never again relinquished their double-digit advantage in the set.

The Warriors will return to action on Wednesday, March 22 at Santiago Canyon College.