Coming off an exciting win in Oakland against the Laney College Eagles, the Los

Medanos Mustangs’ volleyball team hosted the Alameda Cougars Friday Sept. 28. Getting off to a slow start, the Mustangs trailed 7-1 in the first set. The Cougars quickly showed their impressive athleticism, by breaking open a 16-4 lead, before LMC compiled a 5-point rally closing the gap 16-9. LMC then cooled off losing 25-13 in the first set.

The Mustangs’ woes continued in the second set, falling behind 17-9 before Head Coach Lou Panzella called for timeout. The team came back onto the court with a sense of urgency, but failed to execute coming up short in the second set 25-13.

In the third set the Mustangs jumped to a 0-2 start, accomplishing their first lead in any set of the game. This short-lived achievement vanished after Alameda brutally rallied up 10 consecutive points. LMC seemed to lose focus for the task at hand, and showed lack of communication when they were unable to prepare for the opposing serve that resulted in being aced.

Although the Mustangs did show signs of life, with outside hitter and team captain Rachel Roskelley leading the team in kills (10) and digs (10), and setter Marissa Hunter leading in assists (16), LMC was able to spark another hot streak.

Shortening the deficit to 20-14, the Mustangs became reenergized, but it wasn’t enough when Alameda closed out the third and final set 25-17. This loss set LMC back to a 2-3 record on the season.

“We need to work on our control and level of play,” commented Head Coach Lou Panzella after the game. He added that these are hard working athletes, but with only two returning players the team has little experience.

“Every time we play, we get better,” said Panzella.

For the next game the Mustangs host Contra Costa College Collage to take on the Comets this Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.