Pirates battle in five-set loss in CVC opener to No. 24 Sequoias

PORTERVILLE – Porterville College put up a fight but ultimately ran out of gas in a tough five-set (23-25, 25-17, 25-19, 24-26, 15-2) loss to visiting College of the Sequoias in both teams' Central Valley Conference opener on Wednesday.

After falling behind 2-1, the Pirates prevailed 26-24 in Set 4 to force a deciding fifth set. But PC couldn't keep the momentum going and fell 15-2 in the final set.

Sophomore Aliza Bun led the Pirates' offense with 16 kills. She added 10 digs and a pair of aces. Noelani Espiritu also had a big match with 9 kills and 23 digs. Rubui Guzman led PC with 25 digs while Jolina Castaneda totaled 24 assists and 15 digs.

The close Sequoias match was followed by a 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-18) loss at No. 23 state-ranked Coalinga College on Friday.

Bun led PC with 5 kills, Brandi Flores had 13 digs, and Castaneda totaled 9 assists.

The losses dropped Porterville to 3-7 overall and 0-2 in the Central Valley Conference. The Pirates are back in action on Wednesday (Sep. 25) at 6 p.m. when they host Reedley College in a conference match.