GRIFFINS TAKE TWO ON ROAD; NEAR TOP IN STATE POLLS
- Updated: October 1, 2018
2018 GROSSMONT COLLEGE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO (9-28-2018) – The Grossmont Griffins have remained at the top, as overcoming the injury bug has been the been the key with the shuffled lineups.
Grossmont, as of Sept 25, was ranked No. 4 in the CCCWVBCA state poll.
The Griffins were trailing the unbelievably-unbeaten 35 wins in-a-row Irvine Valley a close No. 2, Gavilan, and the El Camino team at No. 3 that the Griffins would love another crack at.
Back on Sept. 10, the Griffins were already in the top ten at No. 8.
Grossmont traveled to San Diego Mesa College to pick up a pair of wins on Friday afternoon.
On the menu for the Griffins was Rio Hondo Community College and Mount San Jacinto.
Grossmont plays with the same intensity with each and every team and never take any program lightly.
The Griffins would face Rio Hondo first, that they swept in 3-0 fashion, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19.
Also, the Griffins had a heck of a battle but came out on top versus Mount San Jacinto, defeating them in 4 games.
Two of the standout players for the last few weeks was JULIA HOLDEN and NAOMI LEILUA.
Naomi was 5-for-9 kills, with one block and six digs versus Rio Hondo, and two aces, 12-for-25 kills, four digs in the match versus Mt. San Jacinto.
“I felt I was very disciplined in all positions, hitting, blocking, defense, and serving,” Leilua said. “I felt I got some smart kills, tough serves, and tried my hardest defensively in order to keep the ball on our side.
“As all teams, we had our share of struggle, especially in the second set against Mount San Jacinto.
“We made a lot of mistakes, but we always know how to handle hard situations. Being able to fix whatever it is that we were struggling with and come back from defeat. Playing against MSJC and Rio Hondo was a great way in ending our preseason before we start playing conference.”
Standout No. 2, Holden, has also been on the rise. She was 6-for-26 on kills versus Rio Hondo, and 12-for-22 on kills, with three blocks, one assist, and two digs.
“I would say we played really well this weekend and wrapped up non-conference quite nicely,” Holden said. “I love playing outside and think I’ve done well in that position.the court. I would say our performance in the contest versus MSJC was our best as we were able to overcome losing one set to win in four.
“My key to success is to just work hard in practice and staying mentally tough.
Conference play for the Griffins starts Wednesday versus Southwestern (0-13) at Grossmont (11-2) at
6 p.m.
