Cats make final push for playoffs

The Saddleback women's volleyball team finished the regular season with a 3-1 victory over Cypress College on Tuesday night inside the gymnasium.  The Bobcats are hoping it is enough to qualify them for the upcoming California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Southern California Regional Playoffs.

Saddleback started the night on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs.  With 20 teams slated to make the playoffs the Bobcats were No. 21 in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) heading into a big match with Cypress, with the RPI being a huge determining factor for the selection committee.  A win over a highly-regarded Cypress program would likely vault them up in the RPI while a loss would seemingly have them sitting and watching the playoffs. 

In addition it was sophomore night for Saddleback, and the last opportunity for the sophomores to leave their mark during the regular season.  Saddleback's sophomores ended up flipping a switch on the final night of the season, beating back the Chargers and now awaiting a playoff announcement, expected in the coming days.

Saddleback controlled play at the outset.  The Bobcats dashed out to a 2-0 lead after beating the Chargers 25-17 and 25-20 in the opening two sets.  Cypress finally woke up in the third set and two teams were evenly matched the rest of the way.  Cypress managed to eke out a 25-23 win in the third set to force a fourth.  The Bobcats trailed late in the fourth set 15-18 before finally making their move.  Saddleback scored 11 of the next 17 points in turning back the Chargers with a 26-24 win. 

Saddleback is now 15-9 overall and finished 7-9 in Orange Empire Conference (OEC) play.  The Bobcats jumped up to No. 19 in the RPI and look like a decent bet to qualify for the playoffs, albeit by a razor thin margin.  Cypress finishes the regular season at 17-9 overall and 9-7 in OEC play.  The Chargers are currently No. 13 in the RPI. 

If Saddleback does qualify for the playoffs they would likely open the post-season on Saturday night.  For all the latest playoff information follow us on Twitter at @GoSCBobcats or on Instagram at @saddlebackbobcats.

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