By: SID Chase Dodge

Westcliff played their 1st match of their 3 match trip up in NorCal. Warriors facing the UC Merced Bobcats were in for a battle between these two squads. 

Merced opens up the match with a 1st set 25-22 win. Warriors quickly answered back with a big time set in the 2nd.

Down 14-17, Warriors rallied with some statement kills from Gabriel Pizza and season debut from Mohamed Ilias Lazaar to tie the match at a set apiece.

Westcliff forced the 5th set something they have been doing all season long.

This time Warriors got the ball rolling quickly gaining the lead 3-1.

Merced being a very tough competitor was able to tie it at 8-8.

After a timeout from the Warriors, Kills from Gabriel Pizza and Jordan VonBorstel gave a 11-8 lead. Warriors closed out the match 3-2.

Stellar Performances 

Mohamed Ilias Lazaar- had a great Warrior Debut hitting for 24 Kills, 1 Block and 9 Digs.

Gabriel Pizza - 23 Kills, 1 Block and 6 Digs.

Pawel Tuz - 57 Assists, 3 Blocks and 5 Digs.

Leonardo Garcia - 20 Digs

Westcliff will be going up to Simpson for a 7pm match start.