Sweet Sweep for Panthers in 4 Matches

Hartnell Volleyball had a 4-0 sweep last week, beating San Mateo College on Oct. 17, Skyline College on Oct. 19 and both Santa Rosa and Shasta colleges on Oct. 20.

At home against San Mateo, the Panthers won in four sets: 25-20, 25-12, 20-25, 25-20. Match leaders were sophomore outside hitter Sam Shaffer (Salinas), with 19 kills and five digs and freshmen Jahvanah Marinelli (Salinas), who dished out 24 setting assists and six kills.  

In San Bruno to face Skyline, the Panthers won in straight sets: 25-13, 25-17, 25-9. Sophomore Hailee Suber (Seaside) led with six kills and two blocks. Freshmen setter Megan Flores (King City) had 19 assists, three kills and five digs.

Hartnell traveled next to Santa Rosa College for a three-team classic. Against Santa Rosa, the Panthers lost the first set 19-25, but then took control, winning the next three against a tough Santa Rosa squad (25-21, 25-21, 25-22). Match leaders were sophomore middle blocker Nichole Gomez (Alisal), with 10 kills and two blocks, and Shaffer, who put down 16 kills, 24 digs and three aces. Sophomore Nhean Marquez (Alvarez) also held down the defense with 23 digs and three aces. The team won the day’s second match against Shasta in three sets: 25-12, 25-12 and 25-15. Sophomore setter Megan Gonzalez (Carmel) led with nine kills, five digs, 12 assists and four service aces. Freshmen middle blocker Aixa Crespo (St. Scholastica) contributed five kills. 

The Panthers are ranked third in Northern California and seventh overall in the state. Their record is 21-3 overall and 5-1 in league. They will begin the second half of conference play on Oct. 26 at West Valley College.