October 30, 2023

WU Defeats La Sierra, Flirts with a Playoff Spot

Video Box Score
By Francisco Claudio
 
As the final week of the Westcliff women's volleyball season commences, the Warriors must wait until all matches are played to determine their postseason chances.
 
It's been an uphill battle for the Warriors who have now won five of the last six matches with the most recently last Friday against La Sierra: 25-15, 25-21, 25-19.
 
Westcliff has really come together in the last month and has given themselves a great opportunity to slide into the Cal Pac postseason as the sixth qualifier.
 
It was smooth sailing for the Warriors on Friday in the first and third set.
 
During the second set, they experienced some resistance from La Sierra who was up 13-7 over the Warriors.
 
But Serena Comer had enough and put a stop to it with a kill that turned into an 11-3 run for the Warriors. 
 
Now up 18-16, Westcliff went back to playing their brand of volleyball and took the second set 25-21.
 
"The defense led us to many opportunities for success, and tonight was no different," said head coach Andy Cole. "It is incredibly frustrating to continually get an attack rebounded back in the air. Enough frustration often leads to errors. We have many fewer unforced errors while also making aggressive and safe hits.  

"This easily could have been a trap match with an early start time. That quick turnaround can really catch up if we do not prepare well. It was an excellent win to inch closer to a playoff berth."
Abbey Beckwith was on fire leading the way in kills for both teams with 14. She also added four blocking assists.
 
Samantha Lister recorded 13 assists, 13 digs, and eight kills.
 
Ava Himstreet was huge on the defensive end with 27 digs that led the way for both teams.
 
Comer contributed with seven kills, two assists, and two blocking assists.
 
With the win, the Warriors have an overall record of 9-12 and a conference record of 8-10.

They are tied with Providence Christian in the Cal Pac standings as both teams will face off this Thursday in the most important match of the season.
 
The Warriors must win that game and the last one against UAV later on Saturday to give themselves the best shot possible at securing that sixth qualifying spot.
 
Thursday's match will take place at home for the Warriors with a start time of 7PM at the Jordan Lawley facility in Irvine, California.
 
Then the last match for Westcliff will be away on Saturday, November 4th, at 5PM against the University of Antelope Valley.