“Point for Corsairs” SMC Men’s volleyball
On Friday night,March 6, 2026, the Santa Monica College men’s volleyball team took to its home court at Corsair Gym to challenge the Antelope Valley College Marauders. In a three-set match, SMC won 3-0, 25-16, 25-17, 25-15.
“Point for the Corsairs.” That specific saying rang through the speakers throughout the duration of the game.
SMC head coach Chris Chown said his biggest expectation from the team was to minimize errors, play disciplined and be aggressive. The Corsairs did just that.
To open the match, Antelope Valley scored the first point. Following that, Samanu Hanneman, who rotates between opposite and middle blocker for SMC, landed the first kill for Corsairs. Shouts are heard from the Corsairs team and the energy rises in the audience.
During the set, SMC had a slight communication hiccup that allowed AVC to catch up and momentarily tie the score at 8-8.
Seeing this, Hanneman shouted to his teammates, “Wake up!” In response, the team notably contributed, including a kill by SMC outside hitter Demian Anisimov and another by Jayden Lyons, who rotates between opposite and middle blocker.
SMC took the lead in the first set 25-16 and carried that energy and momentum throughout the night.
The first point of the second set was scored by SMC. The Corsairs cheered on and encouraged each other, celebrating every point.
“I think my favorite thing about our team is how much they support each other,” said coach Chown. “No matter who's on the court, they're just super hyped for each other and just ready to fill in.”
Antelope Valley struggled to keep up, losing energy in rallies causing them to drop the ball.
Lyons, with an average hitting percentage of .402, posed a threat to AVC. Totalling 11 points this match, 7 kills and his hitting percentage reached .667.
Anisimov focused on the power and drive of his hits during the match. Averaging 4.05 kills per set and a total of 15 kills this match, he was a key contributor to the team’s points.
SMC wrapped up the set 25-17, several points ahead.
The third set began with SMC scoring two points. RJ Carroll, SMC’s outside hitter,stepped up to serve. “Point for Corsairs,” said the announcer.
Carroll then continued on a service run, securing several points for the Corsairs.
At this stage, the Marauders appeared to lose momentum.
SMC libero James Ban made his way to the service line. “That’s an aceeee!” said the announcer through the gym speakers. Ban delivered an ace and followed with two more aces, pushing SMC significantly in the lead at 17-8.
A kill by Ali Badr, who rotates between opposite and outside hitter for SMC, sealed the match. The final score of the third set ended at 25-15. With their record sitting at 9-5 overall, the Corsairs next face the Long Beach City College Vikings on Wednesday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the Corsair Gymnasium.