A Night Filled With Firsts

Joshua Tree, CA - Before the match even began, all knew it was going to be a historic one as Copper Mountain College was set to host their first volleyball match in school history. The Fighting Cacti welcomed the Compton Tartars, also a first year program, as their opponent on the evening. In front of a good crowd, the Cacti jumped out to an early 5-2 lead in the first set. CMC looked sharp passing the ball in the first set which was back and forth the whole way. Compton rallied after a timeout in the first set as the Tartars saw a 15-11 deficit turn into a 19-17 lead. After a CMC timeout, the Cacti regained their composure and went on to win the first set 25-21, the first set the have won this year. 

Set two saw a role reversal as Compton went out to the early 5-2 lead on some strong early play. The Cacti hung tough all set and found themselves only down one (19-18) near the end of the set. Angelica Enriquez was set to serve and she rattled off 7 straight points as the Cacti took set two 25-19.

The crowd at the Bell Center was excited in anticipation of the first win in Fighting Cacti Volleyball history. The players were fired up as well and it showed in their play in set three. CMC scored early and often as they left no doubt as to who will win the match. The Cacti rolled to a 25-10 victory in set three to claimed the match in straight sets. Chelsea LeBoutillier was dominate throughout as she tallied 12 kills and 12 digs on the night. Angelique Hudson added 7 kills and Tusitusia Brown led the way with 15 digs. Lyric Oliveros-Levine was stellar with 21 assists on the night and Amy Yellowman had 7 service aces. 

The Cacti open up Inland Empire Conference play next as the host Mt. San Jacinto on Friday, October 1. Entry is free.