Locked in a tense back-and-forth match against visiting College of the Canyons on Friday, the Cerritos College volleyball team recorded a thrilling 25-23, 29-27, 21-25, 25-22 win to remain undefeated to start the 2025 season. The Falcons (3-0) will play their fourth consecutive home match next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. (new start time) against visiting Palomar College (5-1).

After gifting the Cougars (2-2) eight points in the first set with service errors, Cerritos scored six of the next seven sets with the scored tied, 14-14. Consecutive service errors by the Falcons put the lead to 22-20. After recording points on their next two possessions, Cerritos gave the points right back with service errors. An attack error by the Cougars got the Falcons to within a point, with sophomore Daniela Luna (Walnut HS/Riverside City College) recording a kill to secure the first set.

The pendulum swing of the second set played a crucial role in the Falcons coming away with the match win. Leading 22-16, poor serve reception and passing allowed Canyons to even the score at 22-22. The teams traded points back and forth until a pair of kills from freshman Jordin Lewis (Warren HS) allowed Cerritos to escape with their 29-27 win. The Falcons led, 21-20 in the third set, but once again struggled with their passing and serve reception, with the Cougars scoring the five five points to take the set.

Looking to avoid a fifth set, Cerritos and Canyons were tied 11 times on their way to a 17-17 score. The Falcons scored four of the next five points, thanks in part to a pair of kills from freshman Tiffany Teats (Warren HS) to take a 21-18 lead. A service ace allowed the Cougars to get to within 22-21 until a kill from Lewis and an attack error gave the Falcons a little breathing room. Leading 24-22 after a Cerritos attack error, the Falcons came out of their timeout and ended the match on a Lewis kill.

On the night, Lewis led the team with 18 kills and added 10 digs, while the balanced attack also included 11 kills and 16 digs from freshman Elizabeth Beltran (Santa Fe HS). Joining the duo in double-digit kills, Luna had 10, with Teats (eight kills) and sophomore Evelyn Soto-Castro (Schurr HS) turning in another solid effort with six kills (no errors), 27 assists and eight digs. The back row also received 19 digs and nine assists from freshman Roselyn Tobie (Maxine Waters HS), while freshman setter Emma Rivera (Mayfair HS) came on and contributed eight assists.

Photos by Daryl Peterson