Volleyball wins nerve-wracking home opener

The FLC women's volleyball finally played their first home match of the 2019 season on Monday afternoon and fans in attendance got their money's worth as the Falcons eventually defeated De Anza College in five sets, 25-15, 25-27, 25-17, 24-26, 16-14.   The Falcons were in Jekyl & Hyde mode, making quick work of the Dons in the first set and the first part of set #2 before they suddenly forgot how to play.  After narrowly dropping the second set, they returned to form for an easy win in the third set.  Up 2-1, they collapsed yet again in the fourth set, setting up a winner-take-all fifth set.   The Falcons quickly fell behind in the final set, 4-8, before reawakening to tie the score at 14-all.  With two points needed to clinch the victory, freshman Julin Kenison calmly served two consecutive service aces to secure the win. 

"Not the way I would draw it up," noted first year head coach Molly Hanrahan,  "but we sure made it interesting for everyone!"  

Sophomore Caitlin Dillon again led the team with 20 kills, 3 blocks, and 17 digs.  Kenison had big numbers as well, recording 10 kills, 8 digs, and 3 service aces while setter Kennedy Crawford fed the offense, tallying 53 assists to go with her 10 digs and 6 service aces.

With the win, the Falcons improved to 6-1 in non-conference matches.  They will open Big 8 Conference play on Friday night at American River College at 6:30 pm.