By Nick Vasquez, Nov. 9 ,2021
On Nov. 4, the CPP Broncos competed against the Cal State East Bay Pioneers, claiming a 3-2 victory. The match marked the fifth straight win for the Broncos as they inch closer to CCAA quarterfinals.
The Broncos, who ranked eighth in last week’s Western Region poll, improved to 19-3 with a previous CCAA record of 12-3.
As neither team won consecutive sets during the match, Captain Kira Zimmerman credits the Broncos’ driven mentalities for the team’s most recent success.
“For us, we keep focusing on the next match at hand and not focus on the logistics of everything,” said Zimmerman.
The Broncos started off strong, as they won the first set 25-14. However, CSUEB countered with a 25-23 win in the second set. The teams split the third and fourth sets and the Broncos won the fifth set 15-9.
Opposite side hitter Daisy Duke led the team with 21 kills, while middle blocker Kaitlan Tucker made 15. Setter Kira Zimmerman led the team with an overwhelming 53 assists.
The match marked the fourth game in the entire season in which the Broncos went into a fifth set.
Head Coach Traci Dahl considers the CSUEB Pioneers a “tough team” and is proud of the way the Broncos dominated during the match.
“We have a really good opportunity facing us to become second in the conference, which would give us a bye week,” said Dahl. “We have a few more matches left, and we have to prove ourselves.”
Sophomore Kaitlan Tucker expressed the preparation the match provided for upcoming CCAA quarterfinals and finals games.
“I feel like this game was a building block for us,” said Tucker. “Games like this are going to prepare us for the CCAA and hopefully the NCAA tournament.”
As the team roster consists of seven returning players, the Broncos’ collective experience has allowed for consistent communication on the court.
Clinching a spot in the upcoming CCAA tournament, Dahl acknowledged the Broncos must remain focused moving forward.
The Broncos end their regular season with a home game against Chico State on Nov. 12. The team is expected to play in the CCAA quarterfinals and the CCAA semifinals in San Bernardino, California on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19.
For more information on the CPP volleyball team’s upcoming schedule, visit the CPP Athletics website.
Featured image courtesy of Mike Farrell.
