PUC Pioneers Win at Home

by Michelle Konn

The Pacific Union College men's volleyball team took a surprising victory at home this past Saturday night, April 5. The Pioneers defeated UC Davis' club team in three straight sets: 15-7, 16-14, 15-8. Previously, the Pioneers had lost at Davis in four sets.

The Pioneers got off to a strong start, forcing Davis to call a timeout as they trailed 1-6. Plagued with passing errors, Davis tried to regroup with another timeout at 7-12. The Pioneers took Davis out of their game and won 15-7.

It looked like a repeat performance, as the Pioneers led 12-6 in the second set. However, Davis' outside hitter Owen Roberts served five straight points, forcing PUC to call a timeout at 13-11. A close rally continued until Scott Eastman and Rob Wells teamed up with back-to-back kills and ended the set 16-14.

Davis trailed 6-10 in game three and never got on their feet. Strong jump serves, including an ace by Pioneer Joe Kim, brought the score to 13-7. With middle blocker Rob Wells on the front line, Davis didn't have a chance. The Pioneers took the game 15-8 with ease.

"We really didn't get a chance to play our game at Davis," said outside hitter David Rai. "This home game proved the level that we are capable of playing. It can only get better from here."

The Pioneers were led by Rob Wells with 11 kills and Steve Dulcich with four blocks. Scott Eastman also chipped in 10 kills and 13 digs. The Pioneers have an overall record of 4-6.