Balanced Effort Leads Women’s Volleyball to Opening Night Win

MOORPARK, Calif. – Four players logged at least five kills for El Camino College as the Warriors swept defending Western State Conference champions Moorpark 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 27-25) Wednesday night at Raider Pavilion in Moorpark, Calif.

Newcomer Mikayla Clark had a stellar Warriors debut Wednesday as she led the team with seven kills on the night. Fellow newbie Jocelyn Lacroix added six kills while sophomores and team captains Sophia Loiola and Phina Leilua added five kills apiece.

Leilua added 11 digs to pace the defense, Clark led the squad with four aces and Caitlin Donatucci (15) and Keri Isara (10) combined for 25 assists in the victory.

The Warriors and Raiders were evenly matched in the first set, trading the lead a number of times but an errant attack by the hosts locked up the opening frame for ECC for a 1-0 advantage.

In the second set, the Warriors overcame a late four-point deficit with a 7-0 run and they would score 11 of the final 12 points in the set to take the frame and a commanding 2-0 lead.

The momentum continued to flow the Warriors' way in the third set as ECC took an eight-point advantage early in the game. But the Raiders rallied back, grabbing the lead with an impressive run and then the match tightened up with both teams trading the advantage.

It required overtime, but the Warriors once again pulled out the game as another Raiders attack sailed long to bookend the match and give ECC a win in the season opener.  

The Warriors will return to action Friday as they travel to Long Beach City College for the Long Beach Quad Tournament. They will face San Diego Mesa and Palomar.