Modesto, Ca
First time in program history, the Modesto Junior College volleyball team has made it to the second round of the CCCAA Volleyball Northern Regional Championship.
The Pirates finished the regular season with a 16-13 overall record and a fifth-place finish in the Big 8 Conference, going 8-8 in conference play. Pirates enter regionals as the 15th seed and first round match up against #18 Merced College. The Blue Devils finished fourth in the Central Valley Conference with a 9-7 record, and 12-10 overall record.
This was the second time the Pirates and Blue Devils faced each other this season with the Blue Devils winning on their home court in three sets.
Pirates came into the match on a five-match, 15-0 set, win streak. Pirates were ready for redemption and brought the intensity to the floor. Both teams battled for the right to move onto the second round, something neither team has ever done.
First set was a back-and-forth marathon. Pirates had the lead for most of the set, but the Blue Devils were not going quietly. After fighting off two set points of the Blue Devils, a kill by sophomore Kylie Kriese, wins the set for the Pirates, 30-28.
Second set, Pirates jumped to a 5-2 lead and the never let the Blue Devils catch up. A block by solo-block conference leader, and new MJC record holder, Mikayla Kaufhardt, the Pirates win the set 25-18.
Pirates were in complete control of the third set and closed out the match winning 25-14.
The Pirate's squad is made up of veteran sophomores. Outside hitter Ava Chiesa (CCCWVCA State Player of the Week and Big 8 All-Conference 1st team selection) led in offense and defense, earning her 13th double-double on the season with 12 kills and 15 digs. Setter Lanai Torres continues to build on her record setting season, getting 34 assists. Kaufhardt adds 9 kills, 4 blocks, and 2 aces. Pin hitters Kriese and Elizabeth Johnson earn 7 kills each. Middle Alyssa Stiles hits 4 kills and 1 solo block, and pin transfer Lily Clemmer-Gillum hit perfect with 1 kill on one attempt.
Freshman contributions include libero Brynn Rowell with 8 digs, defensive specialist Isabel Nunez 4 digs, and serving specialist Hailey Hunter with team high 2.62 points per serving rotation.
Up next, the Pirates travel to Quincy to face the #2 seed, with a 31-1 record, Feather River College Golden Eagles. Game time 6:00pm on Tuesday 11/22/22.