UKIAH – The Mendocino College Women’s Volleyball team lost to Yuba College on Oct. 12, 30-28, 30-26 and 30-28. The loss drops the Eagles to 3-3 in the Bay Valley Conference.

According to Mendocino Head Coach Ori Polkinghorne, the match was a lot closer than the straight-set victory indicates.

“Both teams went back and forth all night and the margin of loss was eight points total for the entire match,” Polkinghorne said. “We’re definitely disappointed to not have pulled this one off at home. The good news is that we are still in the thick of things.”

Mendocino got strong performances from their defensive specialist unit including Sophomore Sarah Luetke (Yreka) who had 15 digs, Sophomore Alisa Cannia (Fort Bragg) had 13 digs, Freshman Marcie Brendlen (Anderson Valley) had nine digs and Freshman Cassie Willis (Clearlake) had four digs.

Although the Eagles’ offense continued to struggle with its consistency, hitting an anemic .045 for the match, Sophomore Jamie Brown (Potter Valley) and Freshman Passion Allen LeNard (Lower Lake) led Mendocino with nine and eight kills respectively.

Mendocino plays a critical home match Wednesday night against Los Medanos College. The outcome of the match will determine whether the Eagles finish the first round of conference play with a record of 4-3 or 3-4.

“We need to hit the second round with a head of steam. Our young ladies are working very hard and we are making adjustments – I expect us to be a lot tougher the second time through,” Polkinghorne added.

Wednesday night’s match begins at 6:30 in the Mendocino College gymnasium.

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