With its first conference loss of the season behind them, the Lancers volleyball team was back to its winning ways against East Los Angeles College on Friday.
Lancer Noralia To’omalatai spikes the ball against Huskie team in the third set of the game, at East Los Angeles College gymnasium in Monterey Park, Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. PCC won 3-0.
The No.16 ranked Lancers (6-8, 4-1) defeated the Huskies (3-11, 2-3) in three close sets 26-24, 26-24 and 25-18.
The Lancers were again without freshman middle blocker Kendra Logan for a second consecutive game after Logan suffered a concussion during practice last week.
“Not being able to play was frustrating,” Logan said. “I wanted to be out there to help my team, but I learned a lot from the sideline. We dig ourselves into our own hole and we have to work on that.”
The Lancers are now tied for second place in the South Coast Conference with Mt. San Antonio College, the only conference opponent to defeat the Lancers.
“I think we were more prepared,” said outside hitter Thula Parks. “I was more comfortable in the middle, we worked on getting more sets and being consistent with my setter and everything just seemed to come natural.”
With the absence of Logan, the 5-foot 6-inch Parks has been moved to the middle blocker position. While Parks has stepped over and maintained her leadership role, she admits to being excited to get Logan back in uniform for their next game.
“I’m more excited to be playing back in my position,” Parks joked. “I’m excited that Kendra will be back on Wednesday because we definitely missed her production and I feel that I can help my team more playing outside.”
Nora To’omalatai led the Lancers with 15 kills and nine digs while Parks added 12 kills, nine digs and two serving aces.
“Friday was a tough game,” said sophomore Briana Hilton. “It shouldn’t have been as close as we allowed it to be. We made some stupid errors again, but it happens. We will continue to work on our communication in practice, but our heart was there and allowed us to win the game.”
After a season best, 14 kills in the loss to Mt. SAC, Hilton once again picked up her production in Logan’s absence by recording eight kills and six digs. Sophomore setter Tiffany Roesler added a double-double with 35 assists, 10 digs and three serving aces.
“Having Kendra back will change the game and how we play definitely,” To’omalatai said. “We’ve all stepped up in her absence but having her back on Wednesday will make a big difference.”
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