After a back and forth battle against Irvine Valley College the Raiders found themselves on the losing end of thing on Friday, Feb. 19, as they fell 3-2.

The Raiders currently hold a 1-3 record. Irvine took the first set 25-16, but the Raiders bounced back in the second , 25-21, and third sets, 25-22. Although it was Irvine that took set four, 28-26, and eventually set five, 15-13, for the ultimate win.

Head Coach Aaron Hedland referred to this rollercoaster game as bittersweet.

“It felt good to play well against a good team,” said Hedland. “But to get a couple match points and not be able to convert obviously stings.”

Freshman Myles Meyers emphasized that the team has the talent, but needs work on the mental aspect of the game.

“We have the skill I think we just need to be more mentally tough,’’ said Meyers.

With a long season ahead and hopes of being playoff bound, the Raiders are aware of what they have to do to be ready for their next game.

“We gotta fight harder and battle harder,” said sophomore Owen Yoshimoto. “We need to play more as a team.”

The Raiders are on the road next week as they face Orange Coast College on Wed, Feb. 24.