COD Women’s Volleyball Wins Sixth Straight, Outlasts Eagles in Five-Set Thriller

College of the Desert (14-4; 3-0) stayed perfect in Inland Empire Athletic Conference play, extending its winning streak to six matches with a gritty 3-2 road victory over perennial contender Mt. San Jacinto (8-9; 2-2). The Roadrunners held off the Eagles in a back-and-forth battle, winning by set scores of 26-24, 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13.

The victory marks COD's third straight road win and adds to their historical edge over MSJC. With the series dating back to 1984, the Roadrunners now lead 43-26 all-time, including a 20-14 record in San Jacinto. Prior to Wednesday's victory, COD's last road win against the Eagles came on October 12, 2022, before that, the drought stretched all the way back to 2012.

"This was one of those matches where toughness mattered as much as talent," said head coach Detlev Rothe. "We've been challenging the team to respond when momentum swings against us, tonight, they answered that call."

Balanced Effort Fuels Victory

Freshman libero Isabella Rosales (Indio Shadow Hills) anchored the back row with a season-high 18 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Madyson Duran (Rancho Mirage H.S.) matched her career best with 8 kills, adding a solo block and two block assists.

Sophomore outside hitter Clairie Thomas (La Quinta H.S.) continued her incredible offensive output, recording her fourth match with 25 or more kills, finishing with 25 kills and 16 digs. Freshman setter Juliette Rothe (Palm Desert Xavier College Prep) delivered her fourth performance with 40-plus assists, tying her second-best mark of the season.

The Roadrunners also got critical defensive stops at the net, with Sara Hanley (Palm Desert Xavier College Prep) contributing three block assists, Jackie Leon (La Quinta H.S.) adding two, and Faiyth Robinson (Bermuda Dunes Desert Christian Academy) notching eight digs. Freshman outside hitter Leslie Delgado (Thermal Coachella Valley) chipped in with 6 kills and 13 digs.

"We've worked so hard on communication and trusting each other," said freshman defensive specialist Amber Kardol (Palm Desert H.S.). "In that fifth set, nobody panicked, we just locked in and finished."

Up Next

COD continues its road stretch with a trip to Rancho Cucamonga to face the Chaffey Panthers (2-10; 0-3) before returning home for what could be the de facto Conference title match. The Roadrunners will host the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines (6-6; 2-0) on October 22 at 5 p.m. for the annual Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Game.

Follow COD Athletics on Twitter @COD_Athletics Instagram @COD_Athletics or Facebook @College of the Desert Athletics

For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.