Fullerton falls to Cypress College

The Fullerton women’s volleyball team suffered a tough loss to a tenacious Cypress offense on Friday.

This four-set tango was the first time that these two teams played each other in a conference match and made for an exciting battle at the Hornet’s Nest.

Sophomore Sarah Altergott served a floater that ricocheted off a Cypress defender out of bounds, giving the Hornets the first point of the match. Coming out of the gates, Fullerton (5-4, 0-1) played solid with spot-on passes and and drilling hits. The Hornets found themselves down three points 22-19 with Cypress holding possession. Fullerton’s defensive play allowed them to make a comeback and take the first set from the Chargers, 29-27.

Cypress (8-2, 1-0) came out of the break to serve an ace on a hesitant Fullerton defense. Yet the Hornets remained unbroken in their play, holding off the Chargers 19-16. After a Cypress timeout, the tables turned as Fullerton saw their lead slip away and turn into a sink-or-swim three-point deficit 24-21. A Hornets attempt to make a final push towards victory was quashed by a Cypress outside hit.

Freshman Alora De La Vara picked up 41 digs helping the Hornets stay afloat.

Tied at a set a piece, both teams were warmed up and ready to go. The score remained close throughout the beginning of the set until the Chargers picked up steam, taking a four-point lead over Fullerton 16-12. The Hornets stood their ground and -- after a hard hit by sophomore Michelle Jansen -- tied the score at 17-17. Though, despite their effort, the Hornets crumbled to a persistent Chargers attack to lose the set 21-25

“We need to work on our passing and serving,” said Eddie Rapp, Fullerton head coach, when asked of his outlook of the Hornets’ gameplay.

The Hornets’ backs were against the ropes 10-10, losing their last lead of the match after a Cypress hit. Sophomore Reilly Stevens slammed one of her 15 kills of the night, bringing the score to 14-12. The Chargers responded with an unrelenting offense, taking an eight-point lead over Fullerton, prompting a substitution of Hornet reserve players. The set and match ended with a Fullerton loss, 25-20.

After recent slump, the Hornets are left to reassess their strategy and game focus for next week.

“If we can get our middles established, that would take pressure off our left side,” Rapp said in preparation for their next match.