Citrus Volleyball Battles but Falls to Orange Coast

Citrus College Volleyball came up short on the road yesterday, falling to Orange Coast College in four sets (5-25, 22-25, 25-22, 16-25). 

The Owls move to 3-2 on the season, while the Pirates remain unbeaten at 2-0. Orange Coast is coming off a 2024 campaign that included a third-round appearance in the Southern California Regionals and a No. 11 finish in the 2024 CCCWVCA State Top 25 Rankings. 

After dropping the first two sets, the Owls showed resilience by taking the third set 25-22 before the Pirates closed out the match with a 25-16 win in the fourth. 

Freshmen Aaliyah Janae Freeman and Sophia Martinez led the way offensively with eight kills each. Emma Cristales added five kills, while Naomi Dominguez and Emily Desmartes chipped in three apiece. 

Sophia Martinez posted a game-high of 15 digs, followed by Alexia Avalos with eight. Jennylyn Gozun and Justine Gonzales each tallied four digs. Gonzales also added to the Owls' attack with 26 assists. Freeman anchored the net with four solo blocks, while Freeman and Dominguez each served up two aces. 

The Owls return to action tomorrow, Friday, August 29, when they travel to Golden West College to face the Rustlers at 3 p.m.