Women's Volleyball Has Rio Hondo's Number For Third Time

The Pasadena City College women's volleyball team continues to cut down on mistakes and its paying off with consistent play. On Wednesday evening, the Lancers defeated Rio Hondo for the third time this season and second in South Coast Conference North Division play, 25-17, 25-18, 25-18, at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.

The Lancers put on a blocking exhibition, including eight (two solos) by middle blocker Lania Potter, and were aided by the all-around play of setter Emily Leung, who recorded 19 assists, four kills, two blocks, and five digs. Middle blocker Chyna Peeler kept her mini streak of efficient hitting going with five kills in just six attempts (13-for-15 in last two matches). Outside hitter Vanessa Lopez led the team in attacks with nine kills and hit .269 while opposite Rayleen Rivera added four kills, served four aces and made eight digs.

PCC head coach Mike Terrill directed his team to its fourth victory in five SCC North matches as the Lancers upped their overall record to 14-8. The Lancers also remained perfect on their home floor at 7-0. Rio Hondo, a team that nearly beat PCC in a 5-set thriller earlier in conference play, fell to 10-9 and 2-3. 

"It's really difficult to beat the same team three times in a season," Terrill said. "I felt they were matched up well against us, but we just wore them down with our blocking. We didn't hit to our potential, but we didn't hurt ourselves either. We only made six attack errors and hit .233 while Rio Hondo made a lot of mistakes offensively. Lately, we are getting terrific play from our middles and tonight Emily was active all over the floor."

PCC matched a team season-high with 12 block kills, including two solos by Paige Clingaman. Six different Lancers were part of the block parade. 

On Friday, Nov. 4, the Lancers will have their Sophomore Night in celebration of the lettermen. The SCC North match against Chaffey has an earlier start at 5:30 p.m.

[Photo--Emily Leung has settled in as the team's No. 1 setter this season, image by Richard Quinton.]