Dons trampled by Chargers in straight sweep

The Santa Ana Dons women’s volleyball team lost in a devastating sweep to the Cypress Chargers last Wednesday.

“It was a tough one,” said Head Coach Myriah Kunipo-Aguirre, “They were definitely nervous in the beginning, and after that, I think they just felt behind. We were kind of playing catch-up… The energy just felt really off.”

The Chargers won 3-0 [25-19, 25-23, 25-10], consistently leading by five points in the first two sets and by nine in the third.

Cydelle Sanchez (right) is leading the team with 23 blocks on the season. Photo by Brandon Rowley / el Don

“We weren’t coming out to win, we were really just planning not to lose instead of to win,” said setter Hadassah Miranda, “We have the skill and talent on this team, but we didn’t take care of what we needed to do.”

The loss continued the Dons’ losing streak, the third straight game lost in a sweep. The Chargers, on the other hand, were on a four-game win streak.

The Chargers also led the Dons in kills per set (10.17 vs 7.34), assists per set (9.15 vs 6.62), blocks per set (1.44 vs 0.69), and service aces per set (1.94 vs 1.75).

The Dons took the game to five sets against the Chargers last time they played.

Santa Ana has a second-worst .126 hitting percentage in the Orange Empire Conference. Photo by Brandon Rowley / el Don

“Last time we definitely came out with more fire, more energy, whereas this time we had no energy from the start,” setter Alexis Tortola said, “I think we all just have to want it. Some people don’t want it bad enough.”

It was a discouraging loss for the Dons, especially as there are only four more games until playoffs.

“Moving forward, we’re gonna work more on that mindset and mentality,” said Kunipo-Aguirre.

The Santa Ana Dons will look to bounce back in their next home game on Friday, November 7th against the Irvine Valley Lasers.