Friday evening saw the Mariners Volleyball team immersed in yet another thrilling five set match, this time against the Mustangs of Los Medanos College. It was the Mariners third consecutive five set matches after defeating Yuba College 3-2 on September 22nd, and Napa Valley College 3-2 on September 27th. College of Marin unfortunately did not end up on the correct side of the score line as they fell in dramatic fashion to LMC 3-2.
It was a hard fought match throughout as both teams had their opportunities to take control. Marin began the game a bit flat and fell behind in the first set, they rallied, but were unable to overcome the LMC lead and fell 25-22.
Los Medanos looked to increase their advantage, but Marin was up to the task in the second set, taking an early lead and fending off a late charge by the visitors from Pittsburg. Marin took the second set 25-22 and looking hungry for more.
The third set certainly went in favor of Los Medanos as they limited their mistakes and took full advantage of Marin's. LMC took the third set 25-15 and appeared poised to finish off the match in the fourth.
Marin had different plans for LMC despite opening up an early lead. The Mariners kept it close to the mustangs but trailed 23-20. Marin showed tremendous resiliency with a number of timely points to upend Los Medanos 25-23 in the fourth set.
Marin entered the fifth set with confidence, but the visitors opened up a 7-4 lead. A highly contest point, with a debated touch, went to Los Medanos, and the side switch occurred with an 8-4 LMC score. Marin brought it close, within two at 14-12, but could not complete the comeback and fell 15-12 to the Mustangs.
Marin's four match winning streak came to an end as did their streak of consecutive five set victories. Despite the defeat, the Mariners are in a good place in the standings, tied for third with a 3-2 Bay Valley Conference record.
Next up for Marin are a pair of road matches at Alameda College on Wednesday, October 4th and at Mendocino College on Friday, October 6th.
