Tigers Start Strong with Season Opening Sweep

It wasn't until the fourth game of the 2021 season until the Riverside City College women's indoor volleyball team earned their first victory. This year started off on a much higher note as the Tigers made a statement on Friday afternoon in their season opener against the LA Pierce College Brahams.

The Tigers leaned on a pair of heavy hitters supported by strong setter play leading to a 3-0 win with set scores reading 25-19, 25-20, 25-19.

Leading the charge were two familiar faces in the form of sophomore duo Jessica Lepe and Maggie Aburto. They were responsible for over 70 percent of the Tiger's total kills.

Lepe was the most efficient and effective option for the Tigers by recording 11 kills on 19 attempts. Her .421 kills percentage was the highest on both sides of the net. She also found hardwood for three services aces leading to a team-high 14.5 total points. Aburto, who paced the squad with 27 attempts, followed with 10 kills to round out Riverside's double-digit showings.

Aburto recorded eight digs in addition to her offensive contributions, while Lepe chipped in six digs.

Freshman tandem Esmeralda Aguilar and Nina Peay combined for five kills with Aguilar tallying three to Peay's two. Peay was the most steadfast defensive option by recording a game-high nine digs. She also led the team with four services aces. Sophomore Mya Castro contributed heavily on the defensive front as seen in eight digs.

Running the offense was freshman setter Audrey Elias. In her debut contest, she was nothing short of impressive by lofting up 23 assists. She located at least seven different players for a kill.

Riverside (1-0) will continue action on Wednesday, August 31 at home to host the Chaffey College Panthers. Watch live on Riverside Athletics YouTube Channel or follow live stats at www.rccathletics.com.