Several Tigers Ready for Next Level

Five Riverside City College volleyball players are set to continue their playing and academic careers at four-year colleges, including four Tigers continuing their journeys together. Lanah Bergen, Kaylee Torres, Esmeralda Aguilar and Jada Cottom will all stay local at La Sierra University, while Nina Peay heads to Ottawa University in Arizona.

Bergen, a sophomore outside hitter, finished the year with 1.91 kills per set and 45 aces, averaging 0.56 aces per set (third in the Orange Empire Conference). She was second on the team with 2.46 digs per set.

Torres, a sophomore defensive specialist/libero, led the team with 3.68 digs per set, which ranked third in the OEC. She also dished out 44 assists on the year and earned All-OEC second-team recognition following the season.

Aguilar, a sophomore middle blocker, was second on the team with 53 total blocks, including five solo stuffs. She also laid down 78 kills on the year and was a threat from the line with 31 aces.

Cottom, a freshman outside/opposite hitter, will play both indoor and beach at La Sierra. On the wood, Cottom averaged 1.03 kills per set and 0.74 digs per set. She also assisted on 10 blocks. In the sand, Cottom advanced to the second round of the OEC Pairs Championship and picked up All-OEC second-team honors following the season.

Peay, a sophomore opposite, led the Tigers with a 2.45 kills per set average, finishing the year with 208 total kills. Defensively she had 1.39 digs per set and 44 total blocks.