SMC's Men's Volleyball Has Won Three Games In A Row When Playing In The Pavilion

Santa Monica College's (SMC) Men's Volleyball team won their last three home games, with this most recent victory taking place on Friday, March 18, against the Los Angeles Pierce College Brahma Bulls in The Pavilion on SMC's main campus. The SMC Corsairs currently have a 6-5 record and are 4-1 in their last five overall games.

The three home-game winning streak began on Friday, March 4, when SMC defeated the Moorpark College Raiders 3-1. The second win occurred on Wednesday, March 9, when the Corsairs beat the Antelope Valley College (AVC) Marauders 3-0. SMC also swept Pierce College 3-0 in their recent matchup. All three victories were against conference rivals. SMC is in the Western State Conference of the California Community College Athletic Association.

"We're extra fortunate to be able to win in front of this great crowd," said Head Coach Liran Zamir after SMC's victory against AVC. "They fill out the Corsair Pavilion every time and it's fantastic to see that."

Freshman Psychology Major and SMC's Libero Javier Castillo mentioned in a post-game interview that it felt amazing to win in front of the home crowd. According to Castillo, the bond amongst the Corsairs builds as the season progresses.

"Now it feels more like a family," said Castillo. "It feels like we all trust each other a lot more."

The Corsairs' win against AVC was their first time sweeping a conference rival this season, followed by SMC's recent win against Pierce College. Despite these recent victories, Coach Zamir believes his team still must find ways to improve in order to reach their full potential.

"We didn't play good today, we weren't focused, we didn't communicate, so that's the only thing I can take from today," said Zamir after Friday's game. "I'm very not satisfied...We're gonna work hard next week to get better."

Zamir is always thankful for the support of the home crowd. He promises that he and his team will perform better in order to finish the season strongly.

"Every game that's left for the conference is like a championship game for us," said Zamir. "We need to be focused and win as many games as possible to get a good seed for the playoffs."

The Corsairs have a tough task ahead as their next four games will be played away from home, and three of those matches are against conference rivals.

Sophomore Animation Major and Outside Hitter Beikwaw Yankey believes that the four upcoming away games are an obstacle that he and his teammates can overcome. He also thinks that the Corsairs must have a strong mindset when traveling for these next away games in order to be successful.

"As long as we focus on the game in the present we should be fine." said Yankey.

The Corsair's remaining schedule can be viewed on the SMC Athletic's webpage.

SMC's victory against AVC can be viewed on The Corsair's youtube channel.

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