LA VERNE, CA – The University of La Verne volleyball team pounced into their second tournament of the year, defeating the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs in a definitive four sets, with an assistance from setter
America Reynaga.
Reynaga, a sophomore, earned 19 assists and six digs on the night. This performance led to a 25-13 victory in the final set.
The beginning of set one was a battle. La Verne traded kills with UCSC until the scoreboard read 5-5. The Leopards' constant,
Zacky Coaston started a five point run with a killer swing, assisted by
Malia Capistrano. The two seniors are four year starters for La Verne and their chemistry is evident. Capistrano finished the match with 14 assists, nine digs and a kill. The Leopards snatched the first set, 25-15.
La Verne faced adversity in set two. They fell behind 8-2, but refused to be discouraged. Senior
Alanna Jones swung the momentum back in the right direction with a big swing on the right side, assisted by her libero
Morgan Watkins. Watkins has claimed the title of libero early this season with her dominant back row performance, complete with solid serve-reception, gritty defense and consistent sets to her pins.
Lauren Gott added to her already larger season total of kills, and the Leopards pulled ahead in the second. The set finished, 25-19.
The Leopards lost some steam in the third. Slugs, Taylor Alice and Sydney Janowitz took advantage of the Leopards' instability and helped their team steal set three, 26-24.
The green and orange came out fighting in the fourth. After a close third set, they were determined to finish what they started. The set was tight at first, but defensive specialist
Tova Craig shifted the mood with an ace. Craig had nine digs, and contributed three points to the match. Reynaga took it from there. The Leopards finished off the Slugs 3-1.
The Leopards played Pugest Sound in the subsequent game. The Loggers had not played a game, and were jumping on fresh feet. Gott stood out in the battle against the Loggers, totaling 12.5 points for La Verne. She dug nine, had twelve kills and finished with a .321 hitting percentage. Despite Gott's performance, the Leopards fell in three.
La Verne is back in action tomorrow, September 12, when they face the Pacific Lutheran Lutes and the No. 19 Batten University Marlins at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
