Volleyball Opens With Two Wins

Manny Miguel, coach of Virginia Peninsula Community College's club volleyball team, pointed to one key factor as the Gators swept their first two opponents.

"I liked that they're having fun. When they're not having fun … sometimes it's a little bit difficult," he said after opening the season with a 25-19, 25-17, 25-15 victory over Mid-Atlantic Christian University at SafeHaven Empowerment Center on Aug. 26.

In the first set, the Gators broke away from a 2-2 tie to take a 13-6 lead, forcing the visiting Mustangs to call a timeout. The Gators stretched the lead to 20-9.

Set two started much the same way, with the Gators using a 9-3 run to take an 11-5 lead. MACU tied the match at 12 before the Gators scored the next four points and 11 of 13 for a 23-14 lead.

The third set featured five ties and two lead changes before the Gators pulled away. A 4-0 run gave VPCC a 13-9 lead, and the Gators built their largest lead at 23-12.

Returning players Ashleigh Yost (Smithfield High School) and Berkeley Stenger (Peninsula Catholic High School) were joined on the team by newcomers Olivia Beasley (from Newport News), Ivy James (York High School), Mikela Waugh (Warwick High School), McKenzie Wallace, Faith Candelaria (Kecoughtan High School) and Leilani Brager (California). Miguel said despite a limited number of practices, the Gators played well together and did a good job passing the ball.

"I think they all complemented each other on the court. They took care of their responsibilities. I think that's why we played well," he said.

Just four days later, the Gators took on Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland and posted another sweep, although this one was much closer. The Gators won 25-23, 26-24, 25-15. And again, Miguel said fun was the difference.

"It took us two sets to really get settled into the match," Miguel said. "The first two sets were back and forth, with us making too many unforced errors and struggling to adjust right away. By the third set, we finally found our rhythm, and the team started having more fun."

He added the team's passing and defense improved as the third set went on, but serving was the difference.

"It was our serving that truly kept us in the match, forcing our opponent out of system and allowing us to capitalize on the balls coming back over the net," he said.

Their next competition is Saturday, Sept. 6, with a tri-match at Patrick & Henry Community College. The Gators take on the hosts at 11 a.m. and Central Carolina Community College (Sanford, N.C.) at 2 p.m.