Corsairs Rout the Brahmas in Three-Set Sweep

An explosive offense propelled the 6-5 Corsairs to their second straight win and third conference win of the season.

Santa Monica College(SMC) Corsairs men's volleyball team huddled up with head coach Liran Zamir before the start of the third period against the Brahma Bulls from L.A. Pierce College on Wed. March 15, 2023 at the SMC Pavillion Gym in Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Sergio Carrera(20) from Santa Monica College serving the ball during the Corsairs match against L.A. Pierce College on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Javier Castillos(7)attempting to save the ball from being out during their match against the L.A. Pierce College Brahma Bulls on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Santa monica College(SMC) Corsairs libero Javier Castillo(7) diving for the ball as Kane Schwengel(2) and Beikwaw Yankey(4) prepare to set to ball to be hit towards L.A. Pierce Colleges side of the court on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Kane Schwengel from Santa Monica College(SMC) doing the toe stand yoga pose before the start of the third period against L.A. pierce College Brahma Bulls on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College(SMC) Corsairs Camden Higbee(L) , Beikwaw Yankey(M) and Nate Davis(R) unable to block the ball hit by the opposing team L.A. Pierce College Brahma Bulls on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College(SMC) Corsairs outside hitter Sergio Carrera(20) hitting the ball over to L.A. Pierce College Brahma Bulls side as Josh Berina(19) goes for the block during their match on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Camden Higbee(3), setter, for the Santa Monica College(SMC) Corsairs faking a strike set up but confusing L.A. Pierce College Braham Bulls by tapping it to their side of the court for the point on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Attendees of the men's volleyball game between the Santa Monica College(SMC) Corsairs and L.A. Pierce College Brahma BUll watching Nate Davis(10) jump for a "kill" to end the game with the Corsairs taking the win on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College(SMC) Corsairs and L.A. Pierce College Brahma Bulls in handshake-lines at the end of the game with the Corsairs taking the win 3-0 on Wed. March 15, 2023 in the SMC Pavillion at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

On Wednesday, March 15, the Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs played a successful game against the Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) Brahmas. They came out victorious in a three set sweep over the now 0-4 Brahmas. Outside hitter Nate Davis put up 15 kills and the decisive blow in the third set that won the Corsairs the game, making them second place with a 3-1 record in the Western State Conference (WSC) Northern Division.

At the start of the first set, it seemed like the two teams were equals as the score remained fairly close up until around the halfway point. The Corsairs were able to slowly break away and solidify victory through kills, a commanding defense and many opposing service errors.

The second set followed the same trend as the first. The Corsairs and Brahmas clashed blow for blow until around the halfway point of the match. Just like in the last set, the defense picked up and overall court awareness provided an extra boost that put the Corsairs on top. Outside hitter Sergio Carrera racked up five digs and improved team chemistry with great on-floor communication.

The third set followed neither the first nor the second in terms of competitiveness. Both teams played on the more offensive side, especially towards the end of the set. The Corsairs went on a 7-2 point run to make the score 21-16, appearing to run away with the win. The Brahmas weren’t quite finished yet, however, as they responded by going on a four point run to bring the game within one point. The whole set was competitive, with both teams tearing at each other until they ran out of gas. With one final swing of his fist, Davis was able to put things away with one last kill to knock off the Brahmas 25-23 and seal the victory for the Corsairs.

Davis reflected postgame, giving all the credit to the setters in boosting his strong offensive performance and the defense for the win.

“One thing is my setter’s too good, our defense is too good to not be putting balls away, " said Davis.

Carrera gave credit to both practice and his teammate, libero Javier Castillo, for his superb defensive performance.

“Everything takes practice, you know we practice everything and how to read and block,” said Carrera. “I also like to think that every ball is recoverable, just like libero Javi, he’s insane.”

Communication and collaboration were key for Davis.

“We eliminate the silly mistakes if we know who’s going for the ball, if we know where the ball is going, if we are working together,” said Davis. “That constant communication is the only real way to get rid of those mistakes.

Carrera's game plan was focused more on playing strategically. He said the "smarter plays work better than just pounding the ball," so the ball can get through the opposing teams defense and they're able to get the point.

The Corsairs look to add to their win streak on Friday, March 17 at 6 p.m. at the home of the Moorpark College Raiders. Their following game will also be away on Wednesday, March 22 at 6 p.m. against the Antelope Valley Marauders. The Corsairs next home game will be on Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. against the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros.