Despite a rough first set, the Raiders Men’s volleyball team swept the Palomar College Comets (33-31, 30-17, 30-25) to advance to the California state semifinals.

The first set was an absolute slug fest for the Raiders (15-4) as they found themselves trying to claw their way out of deficits for most of the first game. Trailing 27-23, the momentum and a sense of urgency swayed the Raiders’ way, as they eventually stole the set from the grasp of the Comets (11-8) winning 33-31.

The second set would prove to be far easier for the Raiders, who quickly jumped out to a 14-4 lead and never looked back.

The Raiders’ strong presence at the net allowed them to dominate the second set 30-17.

Down 2-0, the Comets fought in the third set, desperately trying to keep their season alive.

The teams played neck and neck, but the Raiders’ defense proved to be too much for the Comets, as they completed the three-set sweep with a 30-25 win in the third set.

According to Raiders right side hitter Josh Howley, the Raiders’ play defensively along the front line helped them get the win.

“We did a good job at the net,” Howley said. “We minimized on our errors…[and] I feel like our ball control definitely picked up and we dug the balls we needed to dig to do a good job and get through the game.”

Raiders head coach Steve Burkhart believed the Raiders’ improvement with their ball control throughout the course of the match helped them beat the Comets.

“After the first game our ball control was better and that really was the difference,” Burkhart said. “That’s really what it takes.”

Despite the quarterfinal victory, Raiders middle blocker Kyle Auge believes adjustments can be made, especially when going deep into the playoffs and with the semifinals approaching.

“Going further on I would like to see a little bit better blocking from us,” Auge said. “Sometimes we’re leaving the other team’s offense with just one blocker and we can’t do that.”

The Raiders will take on Irvine Valley College Thursday, April 22, where the winner will advance to the California State Championship.