The Los Medanos College women’s volleyball team opened conference play Oct. 1 at home against Yuba College in a blackout-themed match that showcased grit, teamwork and flashes of potential despite a 3-1 loss.
After a tough preseason, the Mustangs came out strong in the opening set, matching Yuba point-for-point with aggressive defense and scrappy play. LMC reached set point at 24 but couldn’t close it out, falling 26-24. The team bounced back with energy in the second set, dominating 25-18 behind a decisive block at the net from Toni Camacho that sealed the win.
Yuba regained control in the third, jumping to a 19-11 lead before the Mustangs clawed their way back to 21-20. The teams traded points in a tense finish, but Yuba again edged out the win, 26-24, and later clinched the fourth set 27-25.
Despite the loss, LMC players praised their team’s effort and resilience. Mustangs setter Breanna Fumar said she was proud of the team’s perseverance through the long match.
“I’m really proud of how we kept on pushing through the sets,” Fumar said. “We don’t have a lot of subs, so it’s always on us to keep our energy up, keep the players going. We just need to work on starting strong and finishing strong.”
She added that the Mustangs’ ability to rally late in sets shows their determination.
“When we see that we’re down, it makes us want to push more and keep on fighting,” she said. “We really encourage each other to just go after that ball because we know we can catch up.”
Outside hitter Niamiah Moreno echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the team’s growth.
“I think as a whole, I’ve seen our team be a lot more consistent,” Moreno said. “Our defense has really gotten better, so now we just need to be able to put a ball down.”
She also noted the importance of maintaining composure in tight moments.
“When we get to the end of sets, the pressure is really on us,” she said. “So I think just knowing that we know how to play and being confident in ourselves in order to execute any points.”
Defensive specialist and libero Alma Mustedanagic said the Mustangs’ chemistry and mindset are improving each match.
“Regardless of the loss, us as a team, we’ve really developed really good chemistry,” Mustedanagic said. “Volleyball is one of the most mental sports that there is, so your whole mindset can really just change how you play.”
The Mustangs dropped their next conference match Oct. 3 on the road at Mendocino College, losing 3-0. They will look to regroup and turn their strong individual performances into wins as conference play continues.
