Despite falling short in the state tournament, the San Diego Mesa College beach volleyball team had a successful season, securing another conference title and concluding with a 21-4 overall record, with their only two losses coming from non-3C2A programs.
Head coach Kim Lester quickly praises her players for their dedication throughout the season and highlights the undefeated performance of Madison Daniels and Jaiden Mojica in the five-slot. “Those two played well all year, adds Lester. “They were perfectly paired, and I couldn’t be any more proud.”
The day began with a 5-0 win against El Camino College. Although the final score showed a sweep, El Camino was a tough opponent with the 1’s, 3’s, and 5’s going to three sets. Jager/Gomez (Mesa) defeated D'Angelo/Dorr (ECC) 21-11, 20-22, 15-10. Wettergren/Lagrimas (Mesa) defeated Atienza-Perez/Keyser (ECC) 21-15, 17-21, 15-8. Daniels/Mojica (Mesa) defeated Salgado/Watanabe (ECC) 21-14, 16-21, 15-6.
As the tournament approached noon, the temperature reached over 80 degrees, and recovery would be a key factor in the upcoming matches.
Following the first-round win, Fresno City College faced El Camino, which won narrowly 3-2 to set up a match against SD Mesa College.
In what turned out to be the featured match of the day, the Rams took an early 2-0 lead after the first wave. However, Mesa's Madison Daniels and Jaiden Mojica at the five slot, along with a win from Kailyn Jager and Myah Gomez at the one slot, leveled the score at two all, setting up the winner-take-all all match at the three slot with Mia Wettergren and Ami Lagrimas. Despite splitting the first two sets, Fresno City’s Doyle and Mendrin captured the decisive third set, advancing Fresno City to the finals.
Coach Lester was proud of the way her 3’s competed. She points out the never-say-die attitude, particularly acknowledging Ami's perseverance despite cramping in the third set. “She left it all out there, and as a coach, that’s all you could ask for. I am extremely proud of her.”
Lester continues that this team is one of her favorites to have coached, citing their competitive spirit, commitment, and overall good human beings.