After A Four-Set Fight, The Corsairs’ Night Ends In Defeat
The Santa Monica women’s volleyball team played the defending state champions, San Diego Mesa earlier this evening at Corsair Gym. With upbeat music blasting and excited fans rolling in, the Corsairs were pumped during their pregame warmups, ready to start the match.
San Diego started the first set strong, up by 4 points (6-2). The Corsairs came back strong offensively with a spike by Nicole Lankton and a great volley by the team and a point by Nina Mandic. Even after an attempt to win the set, it ultimately went to San Diego.
The Corsairs shined in the second set, after the set started with Mesa's serve going out of bounds. “We practically dominated the match,” Corsairs’ starter, Marina Alexander, said. “This is just hopeful more than anything. I think that shows what we can do.”
The Corsairs’ confidence was radiant and the crowd was roaring. Their teamwork was impeccable, with a block by Mylah Niksa and Reese Luke. At one point during the second set, the Corsairs were on a 6 point lead, winning 25-19 and tying sets with San Diego.
The Mesas started the third set with a lead 2-1. The Corsairs tried to turn it around but the set was in the Mesa’s hands. Even with block attempts, The Corsairs couldn’t outscore San Diego. During this third set, San Diego had a 13 point lead, this highest lead of the entire match. San Diego won the set 15-25.
The two teams going back and forth with set wins, tensions built in the fourth set. The entire set was neck in neck, both teams playing hard to secure the win.
