News Summary
In a closely contested game, the Santa Monica College Corsairs were defeated by the Orange Coast College Pirates with a score of 3-1. Despite a strong start, the Corsairs struggled to maintain momentum as the match progressed, losing vital sets to secure the Pirates’ eighth consecutive win. Head coach Christian Cammayo noted the team’s challenges with energy levels throughout the match, highlighting the need for adjustments ahead of their next match against Ventura College.
Santa Monica, California – The Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs fell to the Orange Coast College (OCC) Pirates in a women’s volleyball match held at the Corsair Gym on September 18, 2024. The Corsairs lost the match with a final score of 3-1, marking a setback after their recent win against Golden West.
This match was part of a double home game for the Corsairs. SMC had been riding a winning streak against Golden West but faced a challenging match against Long Beach prior to facing the Pirates.
The Corsairs started strong in the first set, claiming a decisive 25-17 victory. Sadie Town initiated the scoring for SMC, setting a positive tone for the match. Angela Morgan-Perry continued the momentum with a well-placed spike, taking advantage of a failed block by the Pirates. Nika Safavi did manage to earn a point for the Pirates, but the Corsairs primarily controlled the set.
The second set proved to be more competitive. Despite the Corsairs’ earlier success, the Pirates surged back, claiming the set 25-18. The Corsairs benefited from several out-of-bounds shots made by the Pirates, which helped keep the set within reach.
In the third set, SMC struggled to maintain their earlier momentum. Setter Makena Gamby scored the first point for the Corsairs, but the Pirates quickly established a substantial lead. Strong serves from Pirates’ defensive specialist Sophia Wirtzer contributed to OCC’s success, and they finished the set with a score of 25-16, putting them ahead 2-1 in the match.
The fourth set saw the Pirates scoring first, marking their first lead in the entire match. Although the Corsairs attempted a comeback and even tied the score at one point, their efforts fell short as the Pirates closed out the match with a 25-16 victory. This defeat secured the Pirates’ eighth consecutive win.
SMC’s head coach Christian Cammayo noted that the team struggles with sustaining energy levels throughout the course of a match. The Corsairs have encountered a challenging preseason schedule, indicating that adjustments may be needed as they prepare for future games.
The Corsairs are scheduled for their next match against the Ventura College Pirates on September 20 at 6 PM, where they will look to rebound from this recent defeat and regain their momentum.