SBCC had only eight healthy players and struggled with its hitting in a pair of losses in the SBCC Quad volleyball competition on Saturday.
The Vaqueros hit .045 in three-set losses to Pasadena (25-20, 25-12, 25-14) and Long Beach (25-21, 25-12, 25-21).
Santa Barbara (0-5) hit minus .010 vs. the unbeaten Lancers (6-0) and .098 vs. the Vikings.
“It was another day of growth for our young team as we had some moments of phenomenal play but still too many lapses in the level of play,” said coach Kat Niksto. “The team is learning how to put a whole set together from start to finish. We still give our opponents too many free points. We are putting ourselves in the position to win — we just can’t close the door quite yet.
“But each match we are improving and, with a tough non-conference schedule, we are only getting more preparation for our conference play in a few weeks.”
Makenzie Phelps led the Vaqueros with 15 kills on the day. She had nine kills and three aces vs. Long Beach.
The Vaqueros set a season high with 66 digs against the Vikings. Gabi Brewer had a season-best 15 digs and Lauren Holsted also dug 15 balls. Bella Brandt tied her season best with 13 digs.
Lauren Wold had 19 assists vs. PCC and 25 vs. Long Beach.
“Lauren Wold worked her butt off chasing down passes and running a 5-1 offense the whole day,” said Niksto. “Lo Holsted continues to be the team’s rock, taking the most swings on the day and carrying a huge share of the passing responsibility as well.”
The Vaqueros will host College of the Canyons on Wednesday at 6 p.m.