Anderson is Player of Year; SBCC sets school
record
SBCC transformed a
slow start into a splendid finish in the 2012 women’s volleyball season. The
Vaqueros went 2-6 in their first eight matches with all six losses coming to
teams ranked No. 13 in the state or higher
The Vaqueros started off with Ari
Garner and Jenna Anderson at setter in a 6-2 offense. After a few weeks, they
switched to a 5-1 with Garner handling the setter duties and Anderson moving to
outside hitter.
They posted two sweeps on Sept. 22 to claim the consolation title at the L.A. Pierce Tournament and went on to capture the next 14 matches in a row. That broke the previous school record of 12 straight
wins.
The Vaqueros won all 10 of their
WSC North matches and finished 16-7, losing at No. 5 Pasadena in the first round
of the Southern Cal Regional. It was their third WSC title in the last four
years.
SBCC has been spectacular at
home with a 37-4 record (.902) over the last 4½ seasons. They’re 46-6 in the
last five years of WSC North play.
Anderson, a 5-10 freshman opposite from Lake Forest,
was named WSC North Player of the Year and All-Region. Anderson led the Vaqueros
in kills (168) and was fourth in the 13-team conference in aces with
39.
Ed Gover was selected as the Coach
of the Year.
“It all starts with the
team being on the same page mentally,” said Gover. “We had four left-side
players who could start any match. Our practice plans were designed to create a
very competitive environment. Everyday was a healthy battle at every position.
Our staff feels that it was this structure that allowed our best team to take
the court on game day.”
Garner, middle
blocker Bianca Castro and defensive specialist Mackenzie Mexico also made
first-team all-conference.
The
Vaqueros were slated to open the Regional playoffs at Orange Coast but a seeding
error caused the bracket to be changed just 24 hours before the first round. The
Vaqueros’ opponent changed to Pasadena, a team that was 19-4 and 10-0 at
home.
“That last-minute change was
huge,” noted Gover. “It was unfair to all the teams involved in the playoffs.
All 16 teams in the playoffs did not know who their opponent was until 8 p.m.
the night before the match. At that point in the season, it’s more about
preparing for match-ups.”
Gover said
there may be some sand volleyball in the near future for his
team.
“There is a new movement by a
few other colleges to begin a Sand Volleyball off-season program, which we are
looking to participate in,” he said. “This should keep our kids in great shape
and ready for the Fall season.”
2012 WSC North
Standings
WSC GF GA
Overall
SBCC 10-0 30 3
16-7
Moorpark 8-2 26 6 13-8
L.A.
Mission 4-6 12 20 9-9
Cuesta 4-6
17 18 6-16
Ventura 4-6 14 22
5-16
Hancock 0-10 0 30
2-17
