The Raiders men’s volleyball team lost in straight sets again, against the visiting first place Corsairs. Moorpark kept it close in each set, but lost 25-20, 25-16, 27-25.

The Raiders keep it close in two of the three sets, but were unable to win the set.

“We have to stay aggressive,” said outside hitter/libero Jamal Balkhi. “We lose our momentum quick after a bad serve or something; we have to fight through those.”

Head coach Aaron Hedland said it is about mental toughness and the proper mind set. It is playing to win the game, not playing not to lose.

Ryan Butterworth led the way for the home team with nine kills, while Nicholas Shoemate did his best Steve Nash impersonation and had 26 assists on the night. Role players stepped up too, Miraj Patel, and Sam Christie had seven and four kills respectively.

The Raiders have officially ended the first round of western conference play with a record of 1-5. They will be able to try and turn things around in the second round when the play each team again.

“The second round is easier, because you’ve already played the team on the other side of the net,” said Hedland. “That’s a double-edged sword though, because they’ve seen you.”

The Raiders have no choice but to play outstanding in the second round for a miraculous playoff push.

The Raiders look to start fresh Wednesday night on campus road as they play L.A Trade Tech in the first game of the second round.