After a four-game losing streak, the El Camino College Warriors men’s volleyball team defeated the Antelope Valley College Marauders 3–2 in a five-set game at the ECC Gymnasium Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The Warriors took an early 1–0 lead, but fell behind at 2–1 after the Marauders won back-to-back sets, both 25–23.
Outside hitters Nile Harrell and David Buckley led the Marauders with 18 and 16 kills, respectively.
Despite a minor setback in the second and third sets, the Warriors climbed back in the fourth set to win the match.
They led 6–2 in the final set and held off a late comeback by the Marauders, who closed the gap to 13–12.
The kills of middle blocker Matthew Miller and outside hitter Jordan Jotie sealed the victory for the Warriors.
“We were scrappy, and we fought through a tough match. But you know, getting the ‘W’ was the most important thing. I feel like the guys really left a lot on the floor making sure we had the opportunity,” ECC Warriors men’s volleyball coach Casey Wood said.
Jotie, a freshman, led the Warriors with 22 kills while hitting at .304%. Outside hitter Owen Loebs had 16 kills, followed by outside hitter Timothy Benedict, who had 10 kills.
Jotie recorded 10 kills in the second and third sets, but the Warriors were unable to win either.
“I was really involved with hitting. I think I got set 46 times and had a pretty decent hitting percentage,” Jotie said.
The Marauders adjusted their offensive strategy throughout the game, with Buckley taking advantage of certain matchups.
“I started looking at who my matchup was and determining where I was going to hit the ball based on who I was going against.” Buckley said. “There’s a smaller guy on the team, and I would try and hit over him instead of hitting into the bigger blocks.”
Marauders men’s volleyball coach Ryan Dunham said his team made some adjustments early but struggled later in the game.
“We were able to make some adjustments there in the second and third sets, but we weren’t able to make those adjustments coming around in that fourth and fifth set with our service,” Dunham said.
The Warriors’ next game is scheduled to take place at El Camino College on Friday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. against the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros.
