A battle between Moorpark Men’s volleyball and Santa Monica College was held Friday, April 11 in Raider Pavilion.

This game was not only the last of the regular season, but also the key to advancing to the playoffs. Moorpark and Santa Monica were neck and neck for third place, with Santa Monica in the lead by one game. With a win, Moorpark would tie Santa Monica and advance to the playoffs due to a 2-0 series record over Santa Monica.

With both teams wanting to start of the match with a win, game one was a close and intense affair. Both teams battled as hard as they could, chasing every ball, hitting with all their strength and leaping high to block. The biggest lead of the game was held by Santa Monica with a score of 3-0. From then on the score was within 2 points until Santa Monica scored the final point to win game one by a score of 25-22.

Santa Monica, feeling the momentum, turned up the volume in an attempt to intimidate the young Raiders. In response Moorpark came out game two and quieted the visitors by taking a quick lead of 7-3, forcing Santa Monica to take a timeout. Santa Monica came out of the timeout and closed the gap to a score of 7-6, where it was Moorpark’s turn to take a timeout.

The teams battled to get a lead, but neither team managed to pull away. Game two was forced into extra points, and in the end Moorpark fell just short by a score of 25-27.

Moorpark’s playoff hopes weren’t looking good, with Santa Monica taking a 2-0 lead in the match. The Raiders walked onto the court for possibly the last game this season. Game three began and, to no ones surprise, it was closely contested. Moorpark was the first team to 20 points, with Santa Monica right on their heels with a score of 19. With the end in sight, Moorpark and Santa Monica pushed the score to a 22-22 tie. In the end Santa Monica was stronger that night, crushing Moorpark’s playoff aspirations with a win of 25-22.

The Raiders were heartbroken; having been so close every game, yet falling short. But even with this loss, the young team played well.

“They played well, hit the ball much better then the first time we played [Santa Monica],” said Head Coach Steve Burkhart,

“It could have gone either way.”

This was Burkhart’s last game as the men’s volleyball head coach, although he will continue to coach the women’s volleyball team.

The two Moorpark sophomores and co-captains Brandon Kohler and Jose Rojas were surprisingly positive after the tough loss.

“I love my team, from mom,” said Rojas, who was known to be the motherly figure of the team.

Even after the tough loss to end his career at Moorpark, Rojas wouldn’t let it ruin his last night with his team.

“We fought like warriors and left everything on the court” continued Rojas, who was proud of his young teammates.

Kohler, considered the dad of the team,was also proud of his team, and was optimistic about Moorpark’s chances next season.

“You look and they’re heartbroken, not just for themselves but for us [Kohler and Rojas], that shows how much they care,” said Kohler. “I think the group’s going to be just fine.”

Moorpark finished 6-6 in conference, 9-10 overall. The Raiders will only lose two sophomores to graduation, and will be hoping to have all their freshmen return to play next year.