The Vikings came up short against their first conference opponent. They had the lead, but with unforced errors and missed opportunities to score, Sierra took advantage and would not let the lead slip from there grasp.

The DVC volleyball team is an undersized team in the Big 8 conference where the conference has hitters and blockers much taller than most of the team.  Because of the size DVC has, they are forced to play a 6-2 serve receive offensive system.

With a 6-2 rotation, it allows the team to have another setter on the court and can also help with defense. The Vikings defense was very strong as hey kept a lot of rallies alive by diving and making amazing digs throughout the three sets.

Head volleyball coach Ponciano-Babb pinpoints what the team did well, she said, “With our size we have to play defense and play scrappy and we did tonight.”

The Vikings were close as they only lost by a couple points in each sets.  They fought to the end in each set making it hard for Sierra to finish the game as the Vikings battled to close the gap.  

Key blocks by #14 Jade Lee and #11 Kaitlyn Rudolph and aggressive kills from #3 Noelle Vleisides were what helped the Vikings stay in the match.

One thing the Vikings need to work on, outside hitter Noelle Vleisides said,”We need to communicate more and be quicker transitions on offense and defense”

DVC has to come out strong against Santa Rosa as they go on the road.  “We need to take advantage of our opponents errors”, said coach Ponciano-Babb.

The Vikings look forward to a good season as this is a wake up call.  They did well in the matches before conference. The Big 8 is a top tier conference and will need to be on top of their game and play at a high level to be one of the top teams.

“Knowing our role, not being hesitant, minimize our mistakes, come out strong  and work hard in practice we will have a good season,” said libero Taylor-Marie Kanoe Pruett

There next game is on September 2, at Santa Rosa Junior College as they want to make a statement after this loss.