OCC on to semis

The Orange Coast College women’s volleyball team was a 26-30,

30-26, 27-30, 30-18, 15-12 winner over 20-1 North West Valley, the

north’s No. 1 seed Friday night.

The victory puts the Pirates (20-3) in the winner’s bracket

semifinal match today at noon against San Bernardino Valley (north’s

No. 2 seed) of the state tournament at San Joaquin Delta College.

Melissa Zapiain led Coast with 20 kills and 20 digs while Kelly

Overby notched 17 kills.

Jessica Lippi tallied 42 assists and Casey Petersen had 17 digs

for the victors.

Michelle Vanderford came on late in the fourth game and gave the

Pirates a spark, said OCC Coach Chuck Cutenese.

Vanderford had three solo blocks and one assist.

“She came on when we needed her to and blocked a lot of balls,”

Cutenese said.