Another Win

By Rich Schenck
Sports Editor

The LCC volleyball team (6-1 MCCAA West, 16-9 overall) was taken to the very edge before keeping its perfect home record intact with a 25-22, 27-25, 25-23 win on Oct. 6 against the Lady Chargers of Ancilla College.

"Ancilla (1-6 MCCAA West, 9-15 overall) is one of those teams that you have to watch out for," said LCC Head Coach Emily Quintero. "They can come and really give you a run for your money. They were strong, scrappy and we had to play our game."

The visitors gave everything the Lady Stars could handle in the first set of the night, matching them blow for-blow. The turning point came while LCC was leading 17-16. Ancilla's ability to scrap and improvise caused Quintero to call a timeout to rally her players to put away the game.

In the second set, a couple of questionable calls against both teams kept it close early. After a brief Ancilla lead, a Meeshon Rogers kill drew the game even at 10-10 and provided a spark for the Lady Stars.

"Meeshon has definitely played a vital role for our team," Quintero said. "She's played a huge part in our strengths and our core to keep us together."

With her team down 20-19, Quintero rallied her team once again to give an extra push. The push proved to be enough after going point-for-point until the end.

Halfway through the third set LCC was having trouble stringing points together, Rogers once again proved to be the spark for the Stars with timely kills and strong defense. 

"I think I was just playing my part and my position," Rogers said. "It feels awesome. I think it's the first time we've gone over 25 (points)."

With the win, LCC kept pace with Kalamazoo Valley CC for the top spot in the MCCAA Western Conference, with both teams sitting at 6-1.

"It feels good but we are definitely not taking any of our wins for granted," Quintero said. "We are going to continue to work."

With the final third of the season approaching, LCC Assistant Coach Jubenal Falcon summed up the team's situation.

"We hold our own destiny in our hands," he said. "We can take first place if we handle home business."

The Lady Stars were scheduled to defend the Gannon Gym once again Thursday, Oct. 8 against the visiting Lady Raiders of Grand Rapids CC. LCC is schedule to hit the road Tuesday, Oct. 13 against fellow conference leader Kalamazoo CC.

Photo provided by Kevin Fowler/LCC Photographer