Citrus Volleyball Opens Season 3-1 at LA Mission Kickoff Classic

The Citrus College volleyball team opened its 2025 season with an impressive showing at the Annual LA Mission Kickoff Classic this past weekend, finishing 3-1. The Owls split their two matches on Friday before sweeping both contests on Saturday.

Citrus began its season Friday afternoon with a five-set victory over Southwestern (25-21, 22-25, 16-25, 25-12, 15-8). Aaliyah Janae Freeman led the way with eight kills, three solo blocks, and one service ace. Sophia Martinez and Leticia Dominguez chipped in four kills each, while Martinez added 10 digs. Freshman setter Justine Gonzales directed the offense with 39 assists.

In their second match of the day, the Owls fell in four sets to College of the Desert (15-25, 21-25, 25-22, 22-25). Martinez posted a team-high 18 kills along with seven digs, tying Alexia Avalos for the team lead. Emma Cristales added nine kills and four digs, while Gonzales again shined with a match-high 42 assists.

Citrus bounced back strong on Saturday, opening with a four-set win over East Los Angeles (25-19, 19-25, 25-19, 25-13). Martinez led with 14 kills and a game-high 19 digs, while Cristales tallied 10 kills. Freeman, Dominguez, and Jasemine Smith each added five kills. Gonzales once again paced the attack with 38 assists to go along with 10 digs.

The Owls closed the weekend with a straight-set sweep of Allan Hancock (25-21, 25-18, 25-23). Martinez finished with 12 kills and six digs, while Cristales added nine kills. Gonzales contributed 13 assists, three digs, and two service aces, with Sammi Rivard adding four digs defensively.

With three wins to start the season, Citrus looks to carry its momentum on the road against Orange Coast College this Wednesday, August 27, at 5 p.m.