OCC Women’s Volleyball: Pirates sweep San Diego

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA - For the Orange Coast College women’s volleyball team

there was time to joke with another, laughing was allowed, and even

poking fun at the official was cool. The Pirates’ light approach was one

of many reasons for their 15-5, 15-1, 15-10 win over San Diego City

Friday at Costa Mesa High School.

“We were all just having fun out there tonight,” said Lauren Wilson,

who finished with 15 kills, 7 coming in the second game alone. “We had a

really good practice yesterday. We got more comfortable with the lineup.

We were more loose (than on Tuesday).”

OCC responded to its loss at home to Palomar Tuesday. Pirates Coach

Chuck Cutenese said the team also responded to losing three of its

starters to ankle injuries: Tasha Evelyn, Kelly McFarland and Brooke Kuhn

were injured last week.

“It took them a little longer for them to work together,” Cutenese

said. “There has been injuries. But the positive is that people have come

in and stepped up. Lauren Cassity has stepped up. “

Cassity, a product of Estancia High, was one of many Pirates who

“stepped up” against San Diego City. Tina Nguyen had 26 sets that went

for kills. Daylyn Kelley, a product of Costa Mesa High, felt right at

home and finished with eight kills.

And then there was Lori Smith, who served for 14 straight points that

closed out the first game and started the second with a 7-0 run. Smith

hit with precision as the ball came within inches of the net and then

dropped for four aces during that 14-point run.

“I feel like that’s my role,” Smith said of her serving. “I take that

real seriously. I get put in for that purpose and I just like to stay

concentrated.”

San Diego gave OCC a slight scare in the third game. With the Pirates

leading 14-7, the Pirates couldn’t close the game out and San Diego came

back to pull within four.

But then Smith came in the game and delivered the serve to end the

match.

“I look at the areas and just take my time,” Smith said. “I’m really

comfortable serving because I’ve worked so much with it.”