The No. 13 Santa Barbara City College women’s volleyball team stayed undefeated after Saturday’s double-header, sweeping Clovis (25-20, 25-16, 25-16) and Coalinga (25-10, 25-15, 25-18) at Allan Hancock.
The Vaqueros are winners of 19 consecutive sets, and 24-of-26 on the season.
Bayley Padia claimed 19 kills over both matches on Saturday, along with eight digs and a pair of aces, as she was recognized as a 3C2A Player of the Week. This marks the second time in four weeks that an SBCC women’s volleyball player has been recognized with the honor, after Hazel Irving on Sept. 2.
“Saturday was a good day of volleyball, getting to play two solid Northern California programs. Against Clovis, we really focused on limiting our unforced errors and making them earn any points they were getting,” said head coach Kat Niksto.
Morgan Guardado recorded a pair of double-doubles on Saturday, with 15 assists and 16 digs against Clovis, and 18 assists with 10 digs versus Coalinga.
Valeria Bellodas collected 29 digs on the day, while Sarah Guzman and Chaya Clemons each earned four aces.
“Middle Sarah Guzman had a solid game offensively [against Clovis] with her five kills while hitting .556,” said Niksto.
The team’s serving ability played a crucial role for the Vaqs against Coalinga. “With 13 team service aces, we really took our opponent out of their rhythm,” said Niksto. “Both Juliette Dekker and Kaylin Cooney had solid offensive performances.”
A hallmark of Santa Barbara’s early-season success has been their stout defensive effort.
“In both matches the depth of our defensive players really shone, with all four defensive specialists/liberos seeing game time and contributing: Valeria, Isabella Lopez-Gonzalez, Helen Schmitz and Devin Levy,” said Niksto.
The Vaqueros return to Robertson Gymnasium on Wednesday to host Canyons at 6 p.m.