By Francisco Claudio
Brace yourself, because the Westcliff women's volleyball team is making big strides and climbing up the standings of the Cal Pac Conference.
The Warriors just completed a three-game homestand and closed it out on Saturday night with a win over the Pacific Union Pioneers: 25-16, 25-15, 25-13.
It was a big week for the Warriors, who are trying to make a push to land one of the last playoff spots with only four games left against conference opponents.
The Warriors competed hard and took care of business against a team who, unfortunately, was missing a big chunk of their team.
"Regardless of who went, it looked the same," said head coach Andy Cole. "We work together and expect everyone to be ready to step up. It was really great to watch.
"This was a match where Pacific Union was severely handicapped with 40% of its team missing. Our competitiveness showed and we did not settle. Hopefully, that mentality is consistent in the coming weeks. Now is the time to never settle and find balance amongst the team."
Everyone had a chance to step on the floor and shine for Westcliff.
Ella Beck recorded six kills, 11 digs, with a solo block, and three service aces.
Samantha Lister was solid as always, with 22 assists, seven digs, and four kills.
Abbey Beckwith was very efficient and had nine kills.
Ava Himstreet did what she does best, which is defend at a high level with a couple of acrobatic plays. She had 10 digs and four service aces.
Dan Manu contributed with seven kills, seven digs and an assist.
"Overall, team morale is as expected after three wins," Cole said. "We will monitor the energy level and taper as needed.
"We control our destiny for the playoffs. Finding ways to win a point and extend that to winning a set. Then they did that all over again two more times. Technically, serve and pass will be very important."
With the win, the Warriors have an overall record of 7-11 and a conference record of 7-9.
The wins they have picked up this week have catapulted them up the conference standings from the eighth spot, to currently number sixth.
The top six teams qualify for the Cal Pac postseason tournament, so the Warriors now find themselves with a very good chance at making that happen.
They will need to close out the season strong with four conference opponents left: USK, La Sierra, Providence Christian, and UAV.
On Tuesday, October 24th, the Warriors will visit West Coast Baptist College for a non-conference match-up at 6PM.
