News Summary
In a nail-biting playoff match, the Orange Coast College men’s volleyball team faced San Diego Mesa College and was ultimately eliminated after a spirited contest. The match ended with a score of 3-1 in favor of SDM. Despite a strong start in the second set, the Pirates could not maintain momentum against a determined SDM team. The season ended with heartache for the Pirates, but fans remain hopeful for the next season.
Orange Coast College’s Men’s Volleyball Team Faces Heartbreak in Playoff Match Against San Diego Mesa
In a gripping showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Orange Coast College (OCC) men’s volleyball team was knocked out of the playoffs by San Diego Mesa College (SDM) during a thrilling match held at OCC’s home court on April 29, 2025. The game concluded with a nail-biting score of 3-1 in favor of SDM, ending the Pirates’ playoff hopes for the season.
The Match Breakdown
The match kicked off with intense energy, and the first set showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. It was clear from the start that neither side was ready to back down, as they locked in an 8-8 tie early on. Unfortunately for the Pirates, SDM took control of the set and pulled away, finishing it at 25-21 after stringing together a series of impressive scoring runs, much aided by their formidable blocking defense.
OCC’s Jacob Surette, stepping up as a middle blocker, and Brayden LaRue, the Libero, played crucial roles in steering the team towards narrowing the set deficit. Despite their efforts, SDM’s consistent pressure proved too much, leaving the Pirates needing to regroup for the second set.
And regroup they did! The momentum shifted in the second set, where OCC charged onto the court with renewed vigor. The Pirates displayed a superb performance, mounting an impressive 8-4 run that capped off with a fantastic spike from Noah Keelin, their outside hitter. The Pirates managed to claim the second set with a final score of 25-22, much to the delight of their cheering fans.
Shifting Fortunes
A Season to Remember
The Pirates’ head coach, proud of his team’s efforts throughout the match, recognized the challenges faced against SDM. Common themes of strong defense and key blocks were paramount to the victory for the opposition, showcasing how critical these tactical elements can be in high-stakes matches.
As the dust settles on this playoff battle, there’s no doubt that the Pirates will come back stronger, ready to strive for victory once more.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Coast Report Online: OCC Men’s Volleyball Playoff Match
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- LA Times: OCC Men’s Volleyball Wins State Title
- Google Search: OCC Men’s Volleyball
- ECC Union: OCC Beach Volleyball Loss
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Volleyball Magazine: AAU Boys Volleyball
- Google News: OCC Volleyball
- Coast Report Online: OCC Volleyball Highlights

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
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