Photo by Bertrand Edwards
Posted: Feb 12, 2025
The SMC Corsairs men's volleyball team defeated Santiago Canyon in straight sets Wednesday night, 25-13, 25-19, 25-16 to improve to 3-2 on the season. The Corsairs finished with 25 total kills, seven service aces, and 33 digs as they cruised to victory in front of a lively home crowd celebrating Valentine's Day.
Freshman libero James Ban led the Corsairs with steady passing, eight digs, and even a few kills, earning Ban Player of the Game honors. "I was just focused on doing my part." Ban said after the game. "Even when I'm playing Outside, I focus on my passing."
Sophomore Setter Xavier Gutierrez returned from a preseason ankle injury to lead the team with 13 assists and three digs, while Sophomore outside hitter Cameron Taylor added nine kills and seven digs.
The Corsairs put their three game winning streak on the line Friday night on the road against a tough opponent in Orange Coast College. When asked about new Head Coach Chris Chown, Ban said "Coach Chown brings a great vibe to the team...if we all do what we are supposed to be doing, even against the best teams, we will have a fighting chance."