The Corsairs Back in the Win Column

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs (L to R) outside hitter (13) Nadene Taase and middle blocker (3) Amelia Bechtel blocking Moorpark Raider, outside hitter (15) Natsune Makino shot on Friday, September 19, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won the match 3-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs’ (L to R) setter (12) Makena Gamby and middle blocker (5) Nicole Lankton blocking Moorpark College Raiders middle blocker (9) Genessa Johnson on Friday, September 19, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won the match 3-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair middle blocker (5) Nicole Lankton spiking the ball on Friday, September 19, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won the match 3-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs’ (L to R) middle blocker (5) Nicole Lankton and outside hitter (8) Reese Luke blocking the shot by Moorpark Raider middle blocker (9) Genessa Johnson on Friday, September 19, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won the match 3-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair left back (7) Annah Legaspi leading the team in cheer during break between sets on Friday, September 19, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won the match 3-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair middle blocker (5) Nicole Lankton spiking the ball past Moorpar defense (L to R) middle blocker (9) Genessa Johnson and outside hitter (17) Hailey Byron on Friday, September 19, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won the match 3-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs (L to R) middle blocker (5) Nicole Lankton and left back (7) Annah Legaspi embracing after lead taking point on Friday, September 19, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won the match 3-2. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)

SMC women’s volleyball team took on top rivals Moorpark College Raiders for a conference match on Sept. 19, at the Santa Monica Gymnasium. After suffering a three-game skid on the road, The Corsairs were hoping to get back on a winning streak at home. The energy was high on the sidelines and both teams were ready to rally. 

“I came into the game confident and really glad to be at home," said middle blocker Nicole Lankton.

Although once the match began there was a noticeable change within SMC. The Raiders quickly jumped to a 5-0 lead as the Corsairs started out slow. Moorpark held a strong defense, consistently picking up SMC attacks. The Corsairs made a valiant attempt to comeback, but fell short losing the first set 25 to 23. 

The Corsairs were able to take a solid lead going into the second set. This set was heavily contested with both teams making plays to keep the rallies going. Libero Annah Legaspi led the defense once again with 23 digs. With a strong combination of offense and defense, the Corsairs were able to take the set 25-23, bringing the match 1-1.  

Both teams showed they were ready to compete going into the third set. Scoring went back and forth with each team taking temporary leads, no more than one to two points ahead of the other. The Raiders were able to conquer the third set 26 -24 now leading the match, 2-1. 

With the game on the line the Corsairs’ came into the fourth set ready to battle. Able to jump into an early 5 to 2 lead, SMC never looked back. Maintaining high energy they were able to carry the fourth set ending it 25-19 for the win to go to set five.

“I was nervous coming into the game tonight but excited. I got more confident as the game went on.” said middle blocker Mia Whitlock.

Going into the fifth set both teams played at a high level. SMC and Moorpark matched each other’s energy play by play. Scoring went back and forth, but neither team was able to take a big lead. Middle blocker and outside hitter Lankton was able to lead the team to secure the win of the final set, 15 to 12. 

“The team had gone through a rough stretch going up against seven top ranked teams in the conference. They were all very strong and good opponents. Tonight's game was good for their confidence,” said head coach Christian Cammayo. 

The next home game for The Corsairs is Friday, Sept. 26, against Glendale College at 6pm .