Women’s Volleyball
The big cross-town showdown with rival American River College lived up to its billing on Friday night as the two teams took turns beating up on each other for five sets before a winner could be determined. In front of a packed Falcon Gymnasium, the Falcons came from behind to win a close opening set, 25-23. The Beavers responded by winning the next two, 25-14 and 25-20. With their backs to the wall, the Falcons wasted little time as they won a lopsided fourth set, 25-12. In fifth and final set (to 15 points), the two teams traded the lead a few times before the Beavers went on a run that put the match away, 15-6. Despite the loss, it was an exciting night at Falcon Gym and proof that Falcons can play with anyone in the Big 8. Falcon freshman Kylie Haverson again lit up the stat sheet with her 23 kills and 16 digs. Middle hitter Emma Flewell had a big night as well with her 17 kills, while setter Samantha Hegseth provided 30 assists and added 14 digs. The Falcons finish off the regular on Wednesday night when they host Diablo Valley at Falcon Gym at 6:30 pm. They’ll then await the pairings for next week’s CCCAA state playoffs, which begin next Tuesday November 22.

Men’s Soccer
The Falcon men closed out the season with a home match against Delta College on Friday night, and for a big chunk of the match it appeared the Falcons would finish the season with a victory. Freshman Miguel Medina added to his team-leading scoring total (7) when he netted a goal midway through the first half. But the Mustangs were just as determined to get a win as they tied the score ten minutes into the second half. With time winding down, both teams were desperately looking for the winning goal and it was Delta who found it in the 88th minute, securing the 2-1 victory. The Falcons finish at 6-10-4 overall (their most wins in any season) and 3-7 in Big 8 Conference play.

Women’s Soccer
The Falcons closed out their regular season with a 7-0 win over host Sacramento City on Thursday night, then learned late Friday (after American River tied with Big 8 leader Santa Rosa) that they were the Big 8 co-champions with Diablo Valley College. Five different players scored for the Falcons, led by sophomores Leily Ghods and Paty Navarro with two apiece. Also scoring were freshmen Jackie Kittredge, Keionna Claypoole, and Paige Verneuille. With the win, the Falcons closed out the Big 8 schedule with a 10-3-3 record. With Santa Rosa unable to earn a victory on Friday night, FLC and Diablo Valley found themselves tied atop the final Big 8 standings. DVC finished at 9-1-6 (33 points; 3 for each win, 1 for each tie) while the Falcons also finished with 33 points, thus the earning the co-championship. The Falcons will now set their sights on the state playoffs, which begin this Saturday November 19. The pairings will be determined at Tuesday’s Norcal seeding meeting, but Falcon head coach Donny Ribaudo expects to be a #2 or 3 seed, meaning at least two home playoff matches – and possibly three – as long as the team keeps winning in the single-elimination tournament.

Upcoming Sports Schedule
(home matches in bold)

Sat Nov 19        Women’s Soccer playoffs vs TBA at FLC, time to be determined