The Voice - Student Newspaper

Volleyball starts sluggish, still defeats Mesa

Gauchos' volleyball can only hope that last Wednesday's tougher-than-expected win over Mesa (18-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19) isn't a precursor to their match against unbeaten rival Eastern Arizona tonight.

"We were lucky to win, quite honestly," coach Lisa Stuck confessed.

Glendale played with little consistency, but a lot of miscommunication to start against the Thunderbirds, dropping the first game 18-25.

Outside hitter Tahlia Brookins later admitted, "We started off with a little miscommunication. Our focus wasn't on the game."

Brookins helped the Gauchos atone for their lethargic start, scoring several kills in the next three sets to keep the Thunderbirds at bay.

Brookins' effort came in spite of undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL less than 10 months ago.

The second game was an ugly affair, salvaged by middle blocker Whitney Wiltbank's defense at the net.

Setter and team captain Brittany Clark established herself in the third game. The second-year southpaw scored aggressively on offense and made several blocks and digs defensively.

Leading two games to one, the Gauchos avoided a fifth and deciding set thanks to Brookins' assertiveness at the net.

The effort was a welcome relief for Stuck.

"With only a 10-player roster, we don't have a lot of depth," Stuck said. "Whenever we do make a change in the lineup, we need that person to be able to step up and make a positive contribution. I thought [Brookins] did a nice job of doing that tonight."

Glendale will need a much more concerted effort tonight against Eastern, the only other team unbeaten in regional play.

With usual powerhouses Phoenix College and Arizona Western struggling through unusually mediocre starts to their respective seasons. Eastern will present the toughest challenge for the Gauchos thus far.