A couple of quick three-set wins in Rocklin on Saturday were music to the ears of Westmont Volleyball head coach Patti Cook. In an afternoon game, Westmont (10-8, 3-2 GSAC) defeated Menlo (7-6) by scores of 25-14, 25-18 and 25-19. Later that evening, the Warriors defeated Golden State Athletic Conference opponent William Jessup (0-14, 0-5) in straight sets 25-12, 25-13 and 25-17.
"It was good steady volleyball all day," said Cook. "Our serving was especially tough today and we were able to get both teams in trouble with their passing."
The Warriors tallied 17 service aces in the two games, including four each by senior setter Heidi Thompson and senior outside hitter Madison Serrano.
"Menlo had some strong hitters," said Cook of the early game, "but we blocked pretty effectively. We got our hands on a lot of balls and stopped their offense. Sydney Striff played middle and she has really improved her blocking. She was effective on offense as well with her nice high jumps."
Striff moved into the middle blocker role last week when an injury to Ciena Colburn kept her out of the Vanguard match. Though Colburn returned to the line-up for Saturday's matches, freshman Mila Maricic was sidelined with an injury, keeping Striff in her new role. Striff tallied 10 kills in the two matches.
Cook was able to open up playing time for several players and was pleased with what she saw.
"Miranda Beach played libero for a set against William Jessup and (setter) Alexa Nestlerode ran a 5-1 offense in the third set against William Jessup. It was fun being able to play around with our line-up and have everyone come in and be able to contribute.
"Sarah McGough played very well on the right side with steady offense and good all-around play. Taylor Beckman played good and steady all day long – both in the back row and in the front row."
On Tuesday evening, the Warriors will travel to Santa Clarita to take on The Master's (11-7, 2-3). Then on Saturday, Westmont will return home to Murchison Gymnasium for a show down with Hope International (5-9, 1-4).
