Lady Jaguars v. Riverside City College Tigers

Southwestern College Jaguars v. Riverside City College Tigers (9/13/23)

By: Juan H Estrada

After earning their first victory on the road, the Jaguars Volleyball team have returned to host the Tigers from Riverside City College. 

The match began as a tight contest as both teams scored back-and-forth rhythmically. The Jaguars displayed solid defense in the first period, keeping the match even, eleven to eleven. But the Tigers would score the twenty-fifth point first, taking the early lead of the match.

The Jaguars regrouped after the first set loss with an awesome start to the second set. Immediately following the break of the team huddle, Hevila Watson the starting Middle-Hitter got into her position and began motioning to the crowd. Like a cheerleader, Watson took the lead with a slow clap that intensified with speed and participants. Slowly but surely, the bleachers understood the commands and followed her lead.

The Jaguars responded as if the crowd was feeding them the boost of energy they needed, scoring five unanswered points to open the second set. Still, with Southwestern rolling into a groove, Watson delivered with a fantastic play. Starting Setter Yesenia Garcia set the table by serving a perfect assist lifting the ball just above the net for an incoming Watson, who was already flying through the air towards the ball. A thunderous strike made for an undeniable point, Watson landed firmly and roared with emotion as her teammates surrounded. The Jaguars bench all jumped into a frenzy, celebrating the clean Kill.

Unfortunately, the Tigers fought all the way back to take the set and later the victory of the match as well. The Jaguars were unsuccessful in winning a set tonight but the performance from Garcia should be noted. Garcia played the complete time and scored twenty-one of twenty-four Assists in the match. Aside from Watson's team leading seven Kills tonight, Christina Guerrero, Amelia Brunette, and Jackie Cota-Méndez each contributed with four Kills. The pieces of a good offense are present on this team.