Bright gym lights, loud microphones, squeaky shoes and bleachers filled by parents supporting their athletes, American River College hosted their first rivalry game of the season against Sierra College on Friday, Oct. 3. 

The Beavers began the game thirsty for victory with a first set win of 25-17. The set was a back-and-forth match between the teams with ARC losing points from service or hit errors. However, even with mental mistakes ARC dominated Sierra with their attacks and kills. 

The second set mirrored the first set closely with another win for the Beavers 25-17. ARC had 12 kills, 5 errors and a .179 hitting percentage. The energy was loud in the gym and it felt like another home win was on the cusp, until Sierra fought for its comeback in the third set. 

ARC was now in a 2-1 game against their rivals after losing the set 22-25. The home team struggled for 11 kills as they had 9 errors and a hitting percentage of .057. 

The Beavers’ loss ignited a spark in Sierra as they made a return to a game that seemed one-sided. Sierra players and fans could be heard throughout the gym as both teams returned for the fourth set.

Both teams fought their hardest the entire set, and it remained neck-and-neck until ARC finished the game with a final score of 25-21. The Beavers played their best set with 17 kills, 6 errors and a .268 hitting percentage, securing the home game victory. 

“Sierra College has been a long time rival of ours and it was a very fun first game with them,” said Jayda Moran, ARC volleyball’s right side hitter. 

ARC now enters a 3-win streak after the game with Sierra and while the rivalry win is important this early in the season against a fierce team, the Beavers continue to stay focused for their future games. 

“We just have to stay in the medium and we’ll see elevation,” Lilly Miranda, ARC volleyball left front position said. “Even on the sideline, we are parachute packers and we’re here to help each other on and off the court.”