Gauchos stung by Hornets in conference opener

The Saddleback women's volleyball team opened the Orange Empire Conference schedule at home on Friday (Oct. 3) when it hosted an undefeated Fullerton College team in the Saddleback gym.

The Gauchos started off strong and appeared on the way to upending the Hornets as they held a 24-21 lead in the first set.  But the Hornets would serve out five consecutive points for the come-from-behind 26-24 win in the first set.  That momentum would carry over into the second set with the Hornets rolling to a 25-13 win.

Saddleback would regroup for the third set and, again, appeared ready to battle the Hornets down to the wire.  The score would be tied at 14-14 before Fullerton edged out to a 22-19 lead.  But the Gauchos would only get one of the next four points and succumbed 25-20.

Ta'lor Crandall had eight kills and 10 defensive digs to lead the Gauchos while Kaylee Douglass added seven kills.

Saddleback is home again on Wednesday when it hosts Golden West College.  Match time is 6:00 p.m.