News Summary

The Orange Coast College women’s volleyball team earned a commendable victory against Santa Monica College, winning 3-1 in a competitive match held at the OCC Peterson Gymnasium. Key players showed strong performances, with pivotal moments including crucial kills and service aces that contributed to the team’s success. This win not only highlights the team’s resilience but also sets a positive tone as they prepare for upcoming conference play, aiming to build on their past successes and maintain their winning streak.

Orange Coast College Women’s Volleyball Team Secures Victory Against Santa Monica College, Prepares for Conference Play

Costa Mesa, CA – The Orange Coast College (OCC) women’s volleyball team achieved a notable victory by defeating Santa Monica College (SMC) 3-1 on September 12, 2025, at the OCC Peterson Gymnasium. This win is a significant step forward as the team gears up for their upcoming conference play.

The match unfolded with set scores of 25-17, 24-26, 25-23, and 25-17, demonstrating OCC’s resilience and skill throughout the game. The team’s starters included Kennedy Cutler, Sophie Vienna, Emeri Lane, Joey Payan, and Kayla Ihrig, each contributing to the overall success.

Nika Safavi, an outside hitter for OCC, played a crucial role in the game’s outcome. She not only scored important points but also delivered a service ace to initiate the third set, setting the tone for her team’s momentum. The first set concluded decisively with OCC taking an early lead, winning 25-17 and building confidence for the upcoming sets.

The second set proved to be a challenge for OCC, as SMC’s Amelia Bechel made a critical kill that helped tie the match at one set each. Despite the setback, OCC remained determined to regain control. The third set was fiercely competitive, with both teams battling for dominance. The score was tied at 24-23 until Joey Payan executed a successful block against an SMC hit, allowing OCC to secure the set.

In the fourth and final set, Safavi again led the charge by serving another ace, while Payan contributed three kills, significantly boosting OCC’s score. The match concluded with Aliyah Spencer blocking the final point, sealing the victory for OCC and demonstrating the teamwork and strategy the players have developed throughout the season.

This win marks a continuation of OCC’s winning streak as they prepare for conference play. The team is optimistic about their chances, drawing on the experience of winning the conference last year as they look ahead. The next match for OCC is scheduled for September 17, 2025, where they will face Fullerton College, another key opponent as they progress through the season.

Context of Recent Performance

The victory against SMC adds to the positive trajectory of the OCC volleyball program. With a solid roster and effective collaboration among players, the team has demonstrated significant improvements and skill enhancement this season. Coaches and players alike are focused on maintaining their momentum and building on past successes as they move into the more challenging phases of conference play.

Upcoming Matches

As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Fullerton College, the focus will be on refining their strategies and enhancing their gameplay to continue their winning ways. Building on the strengths showcased in the match against SMC, including key performances from both veteran and newer players, OCC aims to solidify their position within the conference and aim for another successful season.

Fans and supporters of OCC can look forward to an exciting season, as the team exhibits skill, determination, and a drive for success on the court. The upcoming matches will be crucial as they aim to defend their previous title and continue their legacy in women’s volleyball.

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High School Football Season Kicks Off in Orange County
Orange County High School Sports Tournament Results
Corsairs Fall to Pirates in Tough Volleyball Match
Jasmyn Morales Leads OCC Pirates to Playoff Victory
Orange Coast College Men’s Volleyball Team Eliminated in Playoffs

Additional Resources

• Coast Report Online: OCC Women’s Volleyball Victory
• Wikipedia: Volleyball
• ECC Union: ECC Women’s Volleyball
• Google Search: Orange Coast College Women’s Volleyball
• OC Register: El Toro Boys Volleyball
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
• LA Times: OCC Women’s Volleyball
• Google News: OCC Volleyball
• Coast Report Online: OCC Volleyball Update
• Google Scholar: Volleyball Training

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.