VOLLEYBALL| Diamond Bar fails to get a victory against Alta Loma as DB’s defense was not enough to go against AL’s heavy hitters.

With a record of 1-1, the Diamond Bar volleyball team found itself in a tough situation against the Alta Loma Braves on Thursday. Despite starting off strong, DB could not maintain its high level of play; its defense started to wear down and the Braves offense started to kick in.

“The girls played really well and worked hard, it was a really tough team so they came out really strong the first game, wavered a little the second and third. We came back in the fourth,” head coach Erica Hansen stated.

DB started off the first set determined and striving to set the tone of the game, winning 25-22. The traditional dominating presence of DB spread throughout the gym. Junior Jessica Pierce led that way in kills and senior Tia Hernandez followed suit. However, in any sport, consistency is key and despite a strong effort, the Lady Brahmas could not continue their fine play.

DB was able to carry on with the momentum gained in the first set but it was AL that came out even stronger. The intensity of the second set was clearly felt in the crowd. Both sides were determined to win. In the end, the Lady Brahmas’ defense started to wear down from the Braves’ heavy hits. Consequently, this resulted in a 25-22 loss for the Lady Brahmas.

“They had really big hitters we could not really prepare for,” Hansen said.

At this point in the match, the Braves enervated the Lady Brahmas. With a tired team, the third set was a blowout win for the Braves, 25-13. Nothing much can be said about this set except the fact that DB was tired. “They were just kind of defeated,” Hansen said.

During the break, the Lady Brahmas must have built on some motivation and determination in preparation for the fourth set. It was a tough head to head match but once again, the Braves simply outplayed and eroded DB’s wall of defense. Both teams made a strong effort but it was a little too late for the Lady Brahmas as they fell short of victory 25-23.

Coming off a loss, this was a good experience for the Lady Brahmas. Facing tough opponents such as the Braves will prepare DB for the future.  Reaching CIF last year, the Lady Brahmas hope to do just that this season.

Now with an overall record of 1-2, DB plans to shrug off this match and use it as a good experience to prepare for the future. The Lady Brahmas have a long way to go and wish to win league this year. “We’re going to have a very strong season,” Hansen said.