Fearing an imminent loss, upset fans argued about the Warrior’s performance at the end of the first set on Friday night; however, at the end of game, it was a happy audience that congratulated the Warriors for their victory.

The men’s volleyball team won its first game of the season defeating Santa Monica College (3-1) this past Friday night.

In his eighth season, coach Richard Blount described the game as a “nail-biter.”

The first set saw EC fall short 23-25, largely due to several mistakes the team committed, but also because both teams wanted to win.

“We made 20 errors in our first game,” freshman Casey Wood said. Wood, who was previously injured and did not play previous preseason games, helped EC by contributing with 9 kills in the game.

“When we limit our errors we’re probably the best team in this conference,” Wood said.

In the second set, EC demonstrated what the team is capable of doing and cruised to an easy win, 25-16.

“We came together well,” Sophomore Roy Powell said. “The guys helped me keep my head in the game.”

Both Powell and Sophomore, Brandon Hiehle, contributed with 11 kills (Powell) and 9 kills (Hiehle).

The third set displayed two teams that did not want to lose. Both teams scored one after the other, and both teams came together excellently; however, at the end of the set EC fought harder and made less mistakes, which gave them the victory, 25-21.

The fourth and final set was reliving the third set, with both teams going head to head against each other. But at the end EC fought for every point and was able to clinch another victory by the same score, 25-21.

“We fought for every point,” Wood said. “We battled until the end.”

Despite Santa Monica having a great game, EC and players such as Roy Powell, Casey Wood and Errol Basconillo, seem to have wanted the win a bit more.

Sophomore Errol Basconcillo, who contributed with 15 digs, said that he was happy to see the team’s resilience after the first set’s lose, and was also happy they were able to find good chemistry which helped them to win.

“One step at a time,” Basconcillo said. “If we get that consistency we will be good for the season.”

The Warriors will look to limit their errors and prepare ahead of more nail-biting games.