The Santa Rosa Junior College women’s volleyball team (7-10) fell to College of San Mateo (8-5) for the second time this season, 3-1 at home Sept. 24 amid a tough stretch having dropped eight of its last 10 matches.
After losing to San Mateo on the road Sept. 5, the Bear Cubs looked to get back on track but to no avail.
In the first set, the teams went back and forth, with neither appearing to have the edge early on. SRJC gained a small lead late only to see San Mateo tie it back up at 22. San Mateo pushed the Bear Cubs to the brink at 24-22, leading to an inspiring rally that lasted most of a minute.
Both teams’ urgency during the set were on full display. SRJC put an end to the rally claiming the point, but San Mateo won the next point and the set, 25-23.
San Mateo’s suffocating defense gave the Bear Cubs problems in the second set as they trailed the whole way. Never losing their focus and down 9-2, they fought back to get it within three points at 13-10, only to eventually lose the set, 25-18.
Even down two sets, the team maintained its communication and optimism as they continued to play loose despite the results not going their way. The Bear Cubs both players and coaches propped each other up with constant yells of encouragement.
The third set started as rough as the second set, with SRJC trailing most of the way. With the match outcome looking bleak, the Bear Cubs battled back to pull even at 20 as the crowd came to life, fueling the team as they pushed ahead.
After taking the 24-23 lead, middle blocker Nyejzniya Krohn secured the final kill and point to give the Bear Cubs the third set and their only set win of the match.
As the SRJC team prepared for the fourth set for what looked like a daunting comeback, the crowd grew quieter. But the Bear Cubs fell into an insurmountable hole as San Mateo dominated the set going up 19-3. Still, the Bear Cubs’ spirit and effort never wavered.
Down nearly 20, three different players ended up on the floor diving for the same ball despite the deficit. Their fight never quit, but in the end they lost the fourth set 25-5.
Defensive specialist Zoe Gillespie showed off her offense and led the way with 10 kills while fellow defensive specialist Amber Smart anchored the defense, diving all over the court and getting 12 digs. Setter Lily Comma seemed to be everywhere this match, filling up the stat sheet and leading the team with 16 assists and finish second with eight digs.
Coaches and players declined to comment after the game.
After a bounce-back win on the road against Diablo Valley on Friday, the Bear Cubs play at home Wednesday, Oct.1 against Modesto.
