MSJC Roars Back for Five Set Win Over SBVC

The MSJC volleyball team roared back from a 2-0 deficit on Friday night to defeat visiting San Bernardino Valley in an epic five set match at home.

The Eagles lost the first two sets of the night by scores of 22-25 and 19-25 before coming back to win 25-19, 25-22, and 15-11. MSJC started the night quickly jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the opening set, but the Wolverines responded to come back and win the first. A late push again in the second put SBVC in command, but the Eagles did not give up.

In the third again the Eagles jumped ahead 5-0 and this time were able to hold on to win 25-19. The fourth was another fast start for MSJC as they jumped ahead 8-3 and never looked back on their way to a 25-22 win setting up the fifth and deciding set. In the fifth it was the Wolverines who ran out to a 6-3 lead before the Eagles answered. Trailing 8-6 the Eagles went on an 8-point run behind the serving of Destiny Affor to force match point at 14-8. SBVC fought off a couple of chances by MSJC but in the end the Eagles came out on top 15-11 to secure the victory and avenge a loss earlier in the season to the Wolverines.

Daija Malcolm had a team best 21 kills in the victory. Tala Paige Gurganious and Alena Magee both knocked down 15 kills and Lorna Lopez added 13. Angelina Browder had 56 assists for the Eagles while on defense Lilly Galvin had a team high 18 digs. Shannon Frary was strong on defense at the net with a pair of solo blocks and two block assists while Magee had a solo block and 4 block assists.

The Eagles improve to 10-9 overall and 4-2 in Inland Empire Athletic Conference matches with the win. MSJC will be in action twice this week when they host Cerro Coso on Wednesday at 5 pm and then travel to first place, College of the Desert on Friday. Friday's match in Palm Desert is set to begin at 1 pm.