Head coach Holly Franks and the Porterville College women's volleyball team got the 2016 season started on a high note as the Pirates cruised to a 3-0 sweep of Mission College on Friday at the American River College Classic. Porterville won the match by scores of 25-10, 25-13, and 25-14.

Sophomore Kendyl Estes led the Pirates' offense with 6 kills while freshman Venesa Gutierrez added 5 kills. Freshman Heidy Benitez led the backline with 10 digs and added 3 aces. Sophomore Brandy Rico totaled 15 assists and served up 5 aces to lead Porterville while sophomore Shelby Vanasen contributed 4 aces and 3 kills.

Unfortunately, that momentum didn't continue as Porterville closed the day with a 26-24, 25-12, 25-15 loss to host American River. And on Saturday, the Pirates suffered consecutive losses to De Anza College (3-0) and College of the Redwoods (3-1) at the Alameda College Tournament.

Porterville (1-3) looks to snap its losing streak on Friday, Sep. 9 when the Pirates travel to Southern California for the two-day Cerritos College Tournament. Porterville is schedule to open play against College of the Canyons at 9 a.m.