Jennifer Corriea
COLUSA COUNTY, CA (MPG) – After dropping its first set in Maxwell last week, the Bears rallied back to win 18-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-19, and then went on the road to play a competitive match against 2022 NSCIF Division III runner-up Orland where they fell 25-22, 22-25, 23-25, 21-25.
Against the Panthers, Pierce didn’t panic after a first set loss and found its rhythm thanks to strong defense and passing to give new head coach Lauren Ornbaun her first victory.
“It’s a relief to get the first win because there were some nerves,” said Ornbaun. “We beat ourselves in the first set, but we passed well and its clear that the potential is there for us.”
Outside hitter Laura Rivera pounded down a team-high nine kills to lead the attack, while Hailey Regnani chipped in with seven kills.
Settters Jamie Figueroa and Magali Jauregui effectively facilitated the offense distributing 14 and 13 assists respectively.
Libero Macey Myers led the defensive effort with 21 digs and 15 service receptions, while Jocelyn Ramos also returned 15 serves.
In Orland, the Bears didn’t have quite enough firepower to upend the Trojans.
On the attack, Regnani posted a team-high seven kills, with Maggie Reyna adding six to the total, and Figueroa handing out 10 assists.
Myers was again solid in the back row accounting for 21 digs and 23 service receptions.
Now even on the year, Pierce (1-1) hosted Sutter on Tuesday, before journeying south on Thursday to square off against Woodland.
