With a two-win streak, the Lady Raiders head into their last conference game with confidence.
After sweeping Ventura College in their final home game on Wednesday Nov. 13, the Lady Raiders continued their streak that Friday, also beating LA Mission College at LA Mission.
The Lady Raiders blew the Pirates away in the first two sets (25-15 and 15-16), but then struggled to pull through in the last game. For the first half of the game the Pirates had taken the lead and the Lady Raiders had to step up and come from behind to win 25-21.
“I thought we did a good job,” Head Coach Steve Burkhart said. “We were pretty consistent in games one and two, but I really like the way we came back in the last one.”
Though there was a struggle to take the final win, the entire team worked hard to beat their cross-county rivals.
“Our passing was really good, our serving was really good and our hitting was really good,” freshman setter Ashley Becker said.
Taylor Susim led the game with 13 kills, nine digs and two blocks. Cierra Merz had nine kills and five digs, while Brittnie Blanchard had 28 assists and 12 digs.
Their final home game was also their sophomore night, in which the athletic department and coaches honored and recognized all the sophomores on the team. There were six ladies playing in their final home game: Taylor Susim, Cierra Merz, Brittnie Blanchard, Melissa Kepler, Meghan Stephens and Mackinzee Claus.
“The sophomores all played in games one and three,” Burkhart said. “I was proud of them.”
Playing their rival, sweeping them and it being their final home game made it a very memorable night for the six ladies being honored. The coaches and players all knew that it was a big game and the right kind of game to have as their last.
“[Playing] here against VC and beating VC it’s always good,” Coach Burkhart said. “It’s something they can remember.”
It was not only a special night for the sophomores, but the freshman players as well. This was the last home game they would be playing with some of their teammates.
“It’s sad. I’ve been playing with some of these girls for three or four years. It’s not like I’m never [going to] see them again, but it’s not [going to] be the same,” Becker said.
Fans and fellow athletes attending the game felt the excitement and anticipation of the rivalry coupled with the finale to some players’ volleyball careers at Moorpark.
“I really enjoyed the game. I’m glad I was here to see it,” Moorpark College football player Tyler Murphy said.
Going into Friday’s game against LA Mission, the Lady Raiders had one thing on their mind, which was to keep the momentum going and finish the season strong. Beating LA Mission (25-27, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24) further fueled the team during the drive to have the best ending to their season possible.
“I think we’ll be happy with however we finish the season,” Becker said. “We worked really hard.”
The Lady Raiders have their final conference game on Wednesday Nov. 20 against Cuesta College. They are looking to end their season strong with a final victory and keep their winning record.
“You never know how [it is] going to work out, but we’re confident,” Coach Burkhart said.
Sophomores (left to right) Cierra Merz, Taylor Susim, Mackinzee Claus, Megan Stephens, Brittnie Blanchard and Melissa Kepler before their last home game as a Lady Raider (Hannah Brown)
