Sierra beach volleyball splits two non-conference matches

The Sierra College beach volleyball team split two non-conference matches on April 14, downing Gavilan 4-1 and falling 4-1 to the University of San Francisco.

"Gavilan was an important win for us on our non-conference schedule," said Sierra head coach Alanna Whitnack. "They are a well-coached team and have improved a lot in their 3, 4, and 5 spots this season. And we hope that win will give us a better chance to host a team regional." Brittany Boerstra and Bella Orteza posted a two-set 21-18, 21-7 win in the 5s spot and 4s Grace Lemmo and Kapri Pelle followed with a 21-17, 21-18 win. Maddy Rowland and Kylie Shinn (3s) cruised to a 21-12, 21-13 victory and 2s Meghan Merlino and Kalala Strickland followed that with a hard-fought 22-20, 21-19 win. Sierra 1s Sara Schell and Savanah Schoeder fell in three sets 21-19, 16-21, 5-15

The Wolverines won both exhibition matches, with Ryan Blackwood and Alex Cook posting a 21-9, 21-13 win and Maddy Meteer and Gabby Roberts winning 21-10, 21-12. The Wolverines put up a fight against a formidable Dons team. Merlino and Strickland (2s) posted an impressive two-set victory 21-17, 21-17 and Schell and Schoeder took the 1s match to three sets before falling 11-21, 21-19, 10-15.

"Hosting USF was an important step in the growth of our program," said Whitnack. "Facing an opponent that is bigger, stronger and faster helps our athletes gain perspective and gives them the opportunity to elevate their performance if they are competitive enough to embrace the challenge." The tandems of Blackwood and Cook and Meeter and Roberts each posted three-set wins in the exhibition matches for Sierra.

The Wolverines will travel to Delta College on Friday, April 20 for matches against the host Mustangs and College of the Redwoods.

Story by Scott Johnston, photos by Dave Lawicka