Modesto, Ca-
The Modesto Junior College Volleyball program prepares for the second half of Big 8 Conference play. The Big 8 is the toughest conference in California with the highest number of schools in the top 25. Of the nine community colleges in the Big 8, six are currently ranked in the CCCWVCA Top 25 State Rankings (No. 12 American River, No. 13 San Joaquin Delta, No. 14 Sierra, No. 15 Folsom Lake, No. 22 Santa Rosa, No. 24 Modesto).
The Pirates are currently 4-4 in conference play, sitting in fifth place behind ARC, Delta, Sierra, and Folsom. Statistically the Pirates are on top of several categories in conference play: Kills (343), Kills/set (11.43), Assists (321), Assists/set (10.70), Digs (531), Digs/set (17.70), Blocks Solo (26), and Points (450). "Defensively and offensively we are top in the conference," says head coach Brenda Moser, "but we have been struggling against the top teams because of our efficiency. We are also top in the conference for hitting errors and attempts. Our goal is to commit less errors and have a higher hitting efficiency in the second of half of conference."
Sophomores Angel Nguyen and Denae Finney are leading the defense for the Pirates. Nguyen leads the conference in digs (190) and Finney is 5th (107). Nguyen also leads in digs/set (6.33) with Finney not too far behind at 9th (3.57). Finney also carries a heavy offensive load for the Pirates as a six-rotation player. Finney is 9th in conference for service aces (12) and 22nd for kills (52). Middle Blocker Sara Gonzalez holds strong at the net giving the Pirates 9 solo blocks and 55 kills (4th and 17th in conference, respectively).
The Pirates freshman are making a big statement in the conference. Ambria Schneringer has given the Pirates two triple-doubles in conference play. As a left-handed setter, she is an offensive weapon that teams can struggle to stop. She is 5th in assists (174), 9th in kills (68), and 15th in service aces (10). The top kill leader for the Pirates is freshman Vanessa Quevedo. Quevedo averages 3.3 points/set. She is 6th in kills (80) and 4th in service aces (15). Rhiannon Genilla is an all-around player that is first off the bench to help the Pirates. She sits at 9th in solo blocks (6) and 29th in kills (42). "Rhiannon has been our go-to when we are struggling in any position. She brings intensity and is willing to do whatever she needs to for the team." (Coach Moser)
The Pirates would not be where they are though without a complete lineup. Sophomore Vanessa Benham plays opposite and puts up the best block against some of the best attackers in the state, as well as being the Pirates 4th best defensive player with 50 digs, 2.27 digs/set. Sophomore Taryq Mims has returned to the lineup after being out due to injury. Sophomore Annalise Workman has made an impact coming in as a serving specialist.
Finishing out the Pirate's roster are Sophomore Camrynn Loveall and Faith Mamea who have both been out due to injuries.
UPNEXT: Pirates face off against American River at home on Wednesday, 10/17, 6:30pm. Then head to Sacramento to take on Sac City, Friday 10/19, 6:30pm.