Canyons Volleyball Takes Down Defending State Champion Irvine Valley College

The College of the Canyons volleyball team was put to the test against defending California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA)State Champion Irvine Valley College on Wednesday, with the Cougars eventually coming out on top in a hard fought 3-1 (26-24, 21-25, 25-21, 25-13) victory.

Canyons (4-0) battled in the first set to edge out last year's state champs by two points. However, the Lasers (1-2) answered right back in the second set to even the match at 1-1.

The third set was a grind between both teams until things drew to a close, and the momentum shifted in COC's favor.  

With the two teams tied at 16 apiece, Canyons rallied for two blocks that helped spark the Cougars. 

Irvine Valley fought back to draw to within one, but three aces over the final six points — including a strike by sophomore libero Chelsea Corn — ended the set in COC's favor.

Corn finished the game with a career-high 27 digs, having settled into her role as the team's defensive specialist.

By riding that emotional swing into the fourth set, Canyons was able to then secure victory with a 25-13 margin in the final set.

COC sophomore opposite Alize Bricot led the charge offensively with a career-high, 18 kills and a .275 hitting percentage. Bricot also added two aces and eight digs.

Freshman outside hitter Emily Bible added 15 digs and 12 kills with a .222 hitting percentage in helping head coach Lisa Hooper's squad to victory.

Sophomore setter Katie Rutecki dished out 36 assists and added 11 digs along with three aces, including a crucial one at the end of set three to top the late push by the Lasers.

Sophomore outside hitter Brooke Garelick contributed with nine kills of her own and a .263 hitting percentage. She also played a crucial role defensively with 17 digs.

Canyons will next head to Cerritos College to take part in the two-day Cerritos Invitational Tournament being held Sept. 11-12. 

The Cougars are slated to face San Bernardino College at 1 p.m. and Cypress College at 3 p.m. on Saturday.