The Falcons opened at the Butte Classic Tournament on Friday afternoon against Ohlone College and swept the Renegades in three sets, 25-23, 25-22, 25-17. While the sets scores were close, the Falcons were playing without 2018 Big 8 Conference kills leader Caitlin Dillon. In her absence, sophomore Yasmine Sowell-Scott stepped up to lead the team with 11 kills and assisted on 2 blocks. Freshman Julin Kenison had a big game, recording 9 kills, 2 blocks, and 12 digs, while sophomore Kaitlin Bullock was everywhere, tallying 8 kills, 8 digs, and 3 service aces.
In their second match, the Falcons promptly fell behind host Butte College by losing the first two sets (23-25, 20-25) before finding their mojo and taking the next three sets going away, 25-22, 25-14, and 15-5. Caitlin Dillon returned to the lineup and was a force all over the court, recording 13 kills, 12 digs, 2 blocks, and 5 service aces. Sophomore setter Kennedy Crawford had a monster game as well with 48 assists, 9 kills, and 8 digs.
The Falcons improved their early season record to 6-1 and climbed six spots in the state rankings to #10. They will open Big 8 Conference play on Friday evening against defending state champion American River (4-5).
