GRIFFINS WIN 3 OF LAST 4 TO SET UP SHOWDOWN WITH MESA

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 13, 2018

Grossmont sets against Imperial Valley. / photo by Hal Summers

2018 GROSSMONT COLLEGE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON (10-12-2018) – The Grossmont College women’s volleyball squad has come a long way since their last loss versus El Camino.

The Grossmont ladies have overcome most of their adversity, including, but not limited to, the injury bug.

These ladies are definitely bonded together like a family, and although some of these sidelined athletes are unable to produce on the court, the emotional and vocal support is immeasurable and portrays a positive presence for both fans and opponents to recognize.

First on the docket, take care of the visiting Southwestern Jaguars (0-13, 0-1), typically a rival school whereas records aren’t typically a part of the equation.

Although both teams came out fired up, Grossmont (13-2,0-0) established the tempo from the very beginning.

Racking up the first two sets with double-digit leads, 25-6, 25-8, the Jags were overmatched from the start.

The Jags lost the last set and were defeated by the Griffins with quickness and finesse, final set, 25-11, and a 3-0 sweep of the visiting rival Southwestern.

Freshman Shaney Lipscomb, with no surprise, led the Griffins with nine kills, while Cheyanne Johnson had two spectacular blocks, and Jen Orbita led the digs with nine and served up an impressive seven aces.

Orbita has become a key asset to the Griffins’ success, especially as of late.

These athletic ladies sent the Jags packing for their first conference win as this group of talented young ladies chase their ninth conference championship.

Lipscomb prior to the beginning of the season spoke of adding another banner to the Grossmont gymnasium, which she has had great success in doing in the past, particularly at Cathedral Catholic High School.

Two days later, with little rest, the Griffins (14-2, 1-0) prepared for their next league opponent, Imperial Valley College (6-9,0-1).

Fortunately, for the Griffins, they would be playing yet another home game.

Maybe a hint of fatigue from only one day of rest, or many different factors, IVC jumped out quickly winning the first set, yet it was a battle, 26-24.

Grossmont was not gonna have this type of contest happening at their G-House.

Once again coach Jamie Ivers and her tightly bonded family of lady volleyballers, came out swinging in the second set, 25-14.

IVC’s Destiny Salgado stood out and was very impressive in particular with her 15 kills, while Analia Sotelo, also with 11 digs, played tough.

The visiting Lasers could not keep up with the intensity and determination of the Griffins.

Grossmont went on to take care of the Lasers, 25-14, 25-15, and 25-14, winning their second match in 48 hours, 3-1 behind once again the fiery freshman Lipscomb, with 22 kills, and once again an extremely athletic Orbita, with 23 digs and four serving aces, totaling 11 serving aces in 48 hours.

However, Grossmont did meet a tough opponent in the San Diego City Knights (11-6,2-1).

These ladies played tough, and it was a huge battle from start to finish, 22-25,22-25,19-25, as the Griffins were swept, 3-0.

Grossmont hadn’t lost since the sweep versus a tough El Camino club.

Lipscomb put up 12 kills as Johnson put up 10.

Grossmont is a very resilient team and, as mentioned, remains a tight family oriented team and will lick their wounds and get ready for the next opponent.

Grossmont (14-3,2-1) also defeated in a sweep form, the Cuyamaca Coyotes, 25-15,25-19, 25-19, a 3-0 victory.

Someone new always steps up for this talented bunch as Julia Holden had 11 kills, 3 serving aces, as Alexis Vanlandingham had 10 kills.

Grossmont (15-3, 3-1) is tied with San Diego City at 3-1 for second place behind the rival San Diego Mesa Olympians, who lead the PCCACS at 4-0.

The Griffins were ranked at No. 6 in the CCCWVCA before the loss to San Diego City and win over Cuyamaca and will await the rankings this Monday morning, October 15.

Grossmont will face first-place San Diego Mesa Olympians (11-9, 4-0) at Mesa at 5 p.m. on Wed., October 17 to decide who will remain at the top of the PCACS conference.

San Diego Mesa is just below the top 25 rankings for the CCCWVCA, it may change tomorrow morning October 15. Things are heating up in the PCACS for sure.