UKIAH — The Mendocino College volleyball team fell 30-28, 30-26, 30-28 to Yuba College in a Bay Valley Conference match on Friday at Mendocino College.
The loss drops the Eagles to 3-3 in the BVC standings.
“Both teams went back and forth all night and the margin of loss was eight points total for the entire match,” Mendocino College coach Ori Polkinghorne said. “We”re definitely disappointed to not have pulled this one off at home. The good news is that we are still in the thick of things.”
The Eagles received strong performances from their defensive specialist unit, including sophomore Sarah Luetke (Yreka), who had 15 digs; sophomore Alisa Cannia (Fort Bragg), who had 13 digs; freshman Marcie Brendlen (Anderson Valley), who had nine digs; and freshman Cassie Willis (Clear Lake), who had four digs.
Although the Eagles” offense continued to struggle with its consistency, sophomore Jamie Brown (Potter Valley) and freshman Passion Allen LeNard (Lower Lake) led Mendocino with nine and eight kills, respectively.
Mendocino College plays a critical home match tonight against Los Medanos College. The outcome will determine whether the Eagles finish the first round of conference play with a record of 4-3 or 3-4.
“We need to hit the second round with a head of steam,” Polkinghorne said. “Our young ladies are working very hard and we are making adjustments. I expect us to be a lot tougher the second time through.”
Tonight”s match begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Mendocino College gymnasium.
