Owls Improve to 5-4 After Strong Performance at Eagles Invitational

Citrus College Women's Volleyball competed at the 4th Annual Eagles Invitational hosted by LA Mission College on Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6. The Owls bounced back from an opening loss to finish the weekend with two strong victories, improving their overall record to 5-4.

Citrus opened play Friday against San Diego Miramar, falling in three sets (25-17, 25-23, 25-14). Freshman Sophia Martinez led the way with 13 kills and nine digs, while Justine Gonzales dished out 30 assists. Emma Cristales added six kills, three digs, and an ace, and Sammi Rivard anchored the defense with seven digs and three aces.

The Owls responded on Saturday with a hard-fought five-set thriller against Cuyamaca. After dropping the first set, winning the second set and then losing a marathon third set (36-34), Citrus rallied to take the final two sets and close out the match 3-2 (23-25, 26-24, 34-36, 25-22, 15-10). Martinez delivered a season-best performance with 32 kills, 23 digs, and four aces. Freeman and Naomi Dominguez each tallied 12 kills, with Cristales close behind at 11. Gonzales set the tone with a season-high 61 assists to go along with 12 digs, while Rivard added 12 digs.

In their final match, Citrus defeated Reedley 3-1 (25-15, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22). Cristales led the attack with 14 kills, while Dominguez posted 11. Freeman (8 kills), Martinez (7 kills, 13 digs, 4 aces, 32 assists), and Shaylen McFoy (5 kills, 5 blocks) all played key roles in the victory. Rivard tallied a team-high 19 digs, with Addie Garcia adding 12.

The Owls return to action Wednesday, September 10, when they travel to Riverside City College for a 5 p.m. matchup against the Tigers.