The Regents Have A Two Game Lead in Sierra League With Win Over Ayala

CHINO HILLS-  It wasn't the prettiest win, but it was an important one.  The Regents took a commanding two game lead in the Sierra League by defeating Ayala for the second time this year in straight sets, 28-18, 25-19 and 25-20.

The Bulldogs started set one strong with a big block and impressive kill on an overpassed ball by Sam Bozoian to get out to a two point advantage.  It didn't take the Regents long to settle in and start to build their own lead.  The Bulldogs took a time out trailing 8-3.  St. Lucy's maintained the five or so point lead until Ayala made a move late in the game.  The Bulldogs cut the lead to 2, forcing a St. Lucy time out at 19-17.  Unfortunately for Ayala, the time out was enough to shift the momentum back to the Regents, who pushed to a 25-18 finish, the last point an ace by Roni LaPierre.

Ayala played from behind all of set two, despite twice cutting the gap to just one point (13-12 and 18-17.)  It seemed like every time Ayala was poised to take the lead, unforced errors would derail their effort.  St. Lucy's was not without its highlights; among them a crushing slide attack by Mo Hageman, big blocking by Loryn Carter and Dianna Rohrer and smart hitting by Vanessa Caustrita.  The Regents pushed to a 25-19 victory, Vanessa Caustrita finishing with a pretty roll shot to mid-court.

You've got to give the Bulldog's credit for their tenacity.  Ayala came out in set three with determination.  This set saw the teams tied six times and a two point Ayala lead at 15-13.  The Regents fought their way back in front and forced a Bulldog timeout trailing 20-18.  After regaining the lead and control of the set, the Regents would not allow the Bulldogs back in, and shut out the match on a kill by Loryn Carter off of the Ayala block.  St. Lucy's bests Ayala 25-20.

The stat leaders for the night were Roni LaPierre with 11 kills, 2 blocks, 8 digs and 2 aces; Juliet McClure with 24 assists, 1 block, 5 digs and 1 ace; Vanessa Caustrita with 10 kills and Dianna Rohrer with 3 blocks.  The Regent's next face Claremont on Thursday, October 18th in their annual Dig Pink match.  Come out in your pink attire and support the girls and the cause.