NAIL BITER

By Brandon Petersen

The Westcliff women's volleyball team opened Cal Pac play on Friday night at Golden West against Simpson, and though the Warriors battled to the wire in two of the three sets, the Red Hawks struck the first league blow with a 3-0 sweep.

Simpson (6-13, 3-0 Cal Pac) prevailed 25-19, 25-23, 25-23 in a match that showcased just how tight this season series may be.

The Warriors (5-10, 0-1) will face Simpson at least three more times in the regular season — and possibly again in the postseason.

That's why head coach Greg Wakeham viewed the result as more of a starting point than an ending.

"Frustrating 3-0 loss," he said. "You know, when you lose two games by two points, it's frustrating, and then you have some silly errors. Simpson's really good, and they have some really good players. They have good setters. They're digging really well. Coach is nice. So, they're a good team, and we have to play them four more times."

Westcliff kept pace thanks to standout nights from Stacy Folas (13 kills, .242 hitting percentage) and Samantha Carelock (11 kills, .375), while setter Amanda Ferreira dished out 28 assists.

But Simpson's Mariah Napoleon (14 kills) and Tiara Manns (12 kills) consistently found the floor in key moments.

Wakeham stressed composure as an area his group must sharpen as the season unfolds.

"We also need to remain composed because we're getting frustrated by little errors," he said. "And it's bleeding into the next play, next play, next play. So, if we can dial that back, keep the composure — I think we have the ability to beat them."

The loss came at the start of what promises to be a memorable weekend at Golden West.

On Saturday night, the Warriors return to the court for Blue and Gold Night — combined with their annual Pink Night, raising awareness for cancer and honoring the cause that remains especially meaningful to the women's volleyball program.

First serve is set for 6 p.m. against Simpson in the rematch.