Sweep streak hits five for Gauchos

The Saddleback women's volleyball team opened the Orange Empire Conference season with a 3-0 win on Friday at Santa Ana College.  The Gauchos have swept their last five opponents and are now 6-1 against programs from California.

Saddleback was facing a Santa Ana program that came into the match with a 6-2 overall record, so on paper it looked as if the streak of four consecutive sweeps could come to an end.  The Gauchos had a 12-10 lead in set one before the Dons rattled off five straight points to put the streak in jeopardy.  Saddleback turned the tables, finishing on a 13-6 run to open the match with a 25-22 win. 

Saddleback used the opening win as a springboard, getting out to a quick lead in set two.  The Gauchos never trailed in the set and opened up a 20-11 lead in cruising to a 25-16 win.  Game three was more competitive at Santa Ana hung around and had a lead midway through the set.  Saddleback went on another run and the Dons never recovered as the Gauchos breezed to a 25-17 win.

Kendall Nolan played a big role in the win, finishing with a team-high 14 kills.  Kiana Camargo had another great stat line, leading the team with 15 assists while finishing second with six digs.  Mandy Sides was also impressive, leading the team with seven digs while finishing with nine kills.  Antonette Rolda had a season-high of four service aces while Keara O'Brien Pol led the team with four blocks.

Saddleback is 7-4 overall and 1-0 in Orange Empire Conference play.  The Gauchos have now swept five straight opponents for the first time since 1998. 

Saddleback's streak will be tested next Wednesday when they travel to No. 6 Grossmont College to take on one of the better programs in Southern California.  Match time with the Griffins is scheduled for 6:00 PM in El Cajon.