March 5, 2023

Warriors Complete Epic Comeback Down 2-0

Box Score
By Francisco Claudio
 
In sports, "they" always say to play until the last point, that it's not over until the final whistle or point is scored.
 
The Westcliff men's volleyball team were true Warriors until the end as they climbed over the huge hurdle of being down 2-0, and taking a tight third set that would later result in an epic five-setter.
 
The Warriors didn't give up and they overcame all odds to defeat Saint Katherine 3-2 (18-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13) on Saturday evening.
 
This is now back-to-back matches where Westcliff pushes their opponent to five sets after being down 2-0. But unlike the first one, the Warriors came out on top against their conference rivals.
 
Gabriel Pizza had an evening to remember and that will go down in the books for the Westcliff volleyball program.
 
Pizza set a new program record with kills in the match at 29. Pizza also led all players with 32 points, the next closest had 17.
 
This is just the continuation of an elite season so far with Pizza as he leads the team in a very competitive conference this year.
 
Westcliff was always playing from behind in the first set and they couldn't string together consecutive sequences to overcome the Firebirds.
 
Trying to not fall down 2-0 for the second game in a row, the Warriors came out with a different energy in the second set. 
 
The Warriors found themselves up 17-12 with all the momentum going their way.
 
But, no lead is safe in sports and the Firebirds rallied back to win 11 of the last 13 points to take the second set.
 
Experience can become a factor in close games, which separates those who've been there and done that, and those who haven't.
 
The Warriors refused to give in and dug deep to win three close sets in a row. 
 
John Rzepniewski and Mickael Massaki had 11 kills each and were big factors in the comeback.
 
Pawel Tuz continues to lead in the assists department and had himself a game-high 38 assists.
 
Leonard Garcia and Pizza had 14 digs each playing a big role in the defensive stops needed to win it in five.
 
With the win, the Warriors improve to (3-2) in the Cal Pac conference and maintain a (4-9) overall record. 
 
Up next, the Warriors return home as they host Arizona Christina in a non-conference match-up on Tuesday, March 7.
 
The first serve is set for an early 2:00 PM tip-off.
 
After this match-up, the Warriors will go on a four-game road trip before returning to finish their season with a five-game home stand.