Volleyball Splits in Home Opener

The Riverside City College women's indoor volleyball team took to its home hardwood on Wednesday night and hosted a pair of competitors in the Citrus College Owls and the Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles. The Tigers showed flashes of dominance scattered amongst a deep, talented roster leading to a split on the day.

The Tigers beganon a high note by defeating Citrus, 3-1. They made quick work of the Owls in the first two sets with the scores reading 25-20 and 25-12, respectfully. Despite dropping the third set by the final count of 23-25, Riverside rallied back to take the fourth set by the final score of 25-22.

Sophomore outside Kiara Oregon was a dominant presence by recording a game-high 17 kills. It was her second-straight game in which she landed in double-digit kills following a 10-kill showing in a win over San Bernardino las week.

Sophomore setter Taylor Gardner continued to feed Oregon throughout the match as seen in her team-high 36 attempts. Gardner benefited tremendously by notching 30 assists, marking a season-high.

Freshman outside hitter Julia Balancier landed in double-digit kills with 10 to go along with five digs and a service ace. Sophomore outside hitter Marcella Rodriguez chipped in eight kills, while freshman outside hitter Vashti Elias-Romero and sophomore middle Madison Bogh each hammered home six kills.

Sophomore libero Natalie Escher commanded the backline with 14 digs, while Elias Romero paced the team in digs with 17.

Riverside fell to the Eagles in the second match in three sets. Rodriguez was the most effective with seven kills, while Balancier followed with five.

The Tigers (2-2) will hit the road this Friday, September 7^th as they face off against Victor Valley and Imperial Valley at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectfully.