Corsairs swept to cap off disappointing season

The saying "all's well that ends well" couldn't more inaccurately describe the season put on by the Lady Corsairs of Santa Monica volleyball this year. With a loss to the eight-time WSC champions L.A. Pierce College, the team finished up a dismal season with an 8-13 record overall.

The defeat came through an 25-18, 25-14, 25-15 straight-set sweep by the Brahmas.

Freshmen Amelia Keeling and freshman Vivien Reece, who both had solid seasons individually this year, led the way with superb passing and hitting and kept it close for the underdog Corsairs early on in the match.

"Amelia Keeling and Vivien Reece both did a wonderful job serving and passing the ball to the teammates," said spectator Sara Cedars. "With their strong play throughout the game, they stood out."

With more assistance and support from sophomore Chelsea Thayer, The Lady Corsairs came close to a first-set victory.

But as the Brahmas dominated the floor with their powerful and tactical serves, SMC couldn't reach the bar to take the one-game advantage.

With the first set in their back pocket, the Brahmas took the rest of the match with relative ease.

Powerful serves and vicious kills were thematic in the ensuing games, in which the visiting Corsairs were outscored 50-29.

"Pierce was definitely the stronger team in this game," said Cedars. "Their tactics and teamwork were way more structured than Santa Monica's."

Even losing standout player Reanna Hills to a sprained ankle in the middle of the second set couldn't slow the Brahmas' roll.

They capitalized on SMC's inability to conjure up a decent blocking game and unleashed an offensive onslaught that left the Corsairs searching for a remedy.

After the game, the Corsairs looked back on the season with their heads held high.

Although they found themselves in a mental rut at the midway point of their schedule, they were able find their team identity in the final games and certify their legitimacy as an improving program.

"I really think we pulled it together at the end, but it was just too little too late. We were able to overcome mental roadblocks as a team, and I think that's the most important thing," said sophomore Melissa Tindall.

The off-season is sure to be filled with new strategies and tweaks to the Corsairs' in-game strategy, with ample new recruits looking to make a difference on the squad and turn the team into a playoff contender.