The volleyball team defeated Diablo Valley College 3-1 on Clark Court on Friday for the second time this season.
The Hawks won the first set 25-23, but lost their second set 26-28, forcing the Vikings to push for a two-point win.
“It wasn’t one of our best games, but our serving has been our strength all season and I think it continued today,” head coach Kari Nahlen said. “We kept them out of system because we were serving so well and we scored in that capacity.”
Nahlen said she was unhappy about losing the second set and she told the girls to stay aggressive during the time-outs.
“We didn’t finish well and that’s something we’ve really gotten better at this year, so seeing that was kind of hard,” Nahlen said.
The Hawks finished strong by winning the third set 25-21 and the fourth set 25-19.
“Them bouncing back during the next two sets meant they weren’t done and they still do have that fight we’ve been working on,” Nahlen said. “I think it’s more testament to the girls, they really have a great bond.”
Abigail Siever, a sophomore middle blocker, said she played cohesively and raised the energy on the court for her team.
“I think hitting around the block tonight was a little bit of a struggle,” Siever said.
Siever said she was mad when they didn’t win the second set but knew the team had to push hard during the third and fourth sets to win.
“We’ve been working on drills about keeping our mindset up and being confident in ourselves, and I think that’s what we did,” Siever said.
Sophomore setter Nicole Risch said the team was weak in consistency during their second set.
“I think that starts with fighting throughout the whole entire set and comes with consistency,” Risch said. “Starting strong and ending strong.”
Communication is important and will encourage the team to fight throughout entire sets, Risch said.
“Verbally we talk about plays in huddles,” Risch said. “Also about what’s on the other side of the net; whether that’s the block, where the hitters are or what their serve-receive looks like.”
Risch said she’s looking forward to winning their next games against rivals Folsom Lake College and Sacramento City College.
“Those are must wins for us and I think we can put up a very good fight,” Risch said.
The volleyball team will play next at FLC at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.