Jotie’s Career Night Powers Warriors Past Antelope Valley

TORRANCE, Calif. --- Freshman Jordan Jotie posted a career-high in kills as El Camino College downed Antelope Valley 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 23-25, 25-15, 15-13) in the Western States Conference opener at the ECC Gym Complex.

Jodie was outstanding for the Warriors on Wednesday, posting his first career 20-kill match as he slugged 22 of them against the Marauders and attacked at a .340 clip. He also added 17 digs for hist first career double-double and four service aces, both career highs.

Owen Loebs added 16 kills on a .308 killing percentage along with four blocks with Edan Musick (29) and Jayson Sahagun (20) combining for 49 assists and serving the team to a .259 attack percentage.

For the Marauders, Nile Harrell led the way with 18 kills and David Buckley added 16 with David Carrasco dishing out 37 assists in the loss.

The Warriors jumped out to a 1-0 lead but then found themselves trailing 2-1 after the Marauders pulled out consecutive two-point wins in sets two and three. The third set was the toughest of the match as the teams were tied 16 times in the frame with both attacking at a .300 clip.

The Warriors would pull away late in the fourth to send the match to a fifth set where the Warriors jumped out to a 6-2 lead early and never relinquished it. The Marauders would make it interesting late, pulling to within one at 13-12 but kills from Matthew Miller and Jotie sealed the deal for the Warriors, earning them the win in the conference opener.

The team will return to action on Friday night when Santa Barbara pays a visit to the ECC Gym Complex for a 6 p.m. first serve.