It might have been April Fool’s Day, but the game between the Moorpark Raiders and Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros on, Friday April 1, was no joke with the two teams going back and forth at each other with long intense rally.

Moorpark won the match 3-1, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19, over Santa Barbara.The team had been preparing for this game, considering that last time the tables were turned and SBCC won the game 3-1.

Drake Uthe, freshman, reflected on the importance of the game in regards to their playoff hopes and how well the team played.

“It was important to stay in the race for the playoffs,” said Uthe. “We played as a team and got the job done. I am very proud.”

Uthe is already looking forward to the next game against LA Pierce saying the Raiders are not going to let them win.

“Pierce is next, we have to work as hard as we can in the gym and were not gonna let them get the win,” said Uthe.

Uthe is optimistic about the playoff picture and can not wait to see it unfold, but for now they plan to take one game at a time.

“We are trying to worry about one game at a time, but I can’t wait to see it painted when its all done,” said Uthe.

Jacob Sosa, freshman, enjoyed the high stakes game, saying that team communications need improvement, but besides that would not change a thing.

“We need to work on getting the whole team talking more, but besides that tonight was a great team effort and I wouldn’t change it,” said Sosa.

Sosa said the Raiders would have a good chance in the playoffs, once they got rolling.

“Once we make playoffs, it will be like a snow ball going down hill,” said Sosa.

Sosa also had some impressive stats during the game. He had 13 kills and two-and-a-half blocks. Some of the other stat leaders were: Owen Yoshimoto who had 20 kills and 15 blocks, Myles Myers had 12 kills and Ryan Butterworth had three aces and 11 digs.

Coach Aaron Hedland was excited to beat the Vaqueros after losing to them last time and was happy about the win considering both teams defensive displays.

“It feels nice to beat a local rival, we felt it was good game as far as our playing went,” Hedland said. “Both teams played great defense, so I’m happy about the win.”

Hedland remarked that the last time the Raiders took on LA Pierce, they had a lot of errors. Hedland said that and serving were the two areas the team would work on in preparation for the next game.

“Name of the game is serving, and minimizing errors, last time we had a lot of issues with that against Pierce,” said Hedland.

Hedland felt confident about a potential playoff run noting they had to stay on track with the remaining games.

“I feel great, we have to stay on El Camino’s heals and keep on the schedule, but I think we have a good schedule coming up,” said Hedland.

The Raiders, who are now 6-10 overall, 5-4 in WSC play, will travel to LA Pierce April 8 at 6 p.m. and return home April. 13 at 6 p.m. against Long Beach City College for the last home game of the season.