PC notebook: Pirate volleyball continues to rise in rankings
Despite a recent 1-3 road trip, the Porterville College volleyball team moved up three spots in the California Community College Women’s Volleyball Coaches Association Rankings.
The Pirates (8-4 entering Wednesday) went from No. 20 to No. 17 in the state – and from No. 7 to No. 6 in the Northern California region.
The move up, said PC coach Dale Henderson, is because facing higher ranked opponents – such as North No. 2 Feather River, No. 3 Sierra, and No. 4 American River – means that the Pirates are starting to garner respect as a quality program that can compete with the best.
“In years past, a 1-3 road trip would result in dropping out of the rankings and never getting back,” Henderson said.
“Now, these perennial powers are inviting us to play three-way matches because they recognize that we are a playoff caliber team. A lot of teams play a lighter schedule just to rack up victories. Our program is at the point where we belong with the best, and it’s our goal to stay there.”
In addition to enjoying the some of the best rankings in school history, Henderson added that some other perks have been coming PC’s way.
More four-year universities – from Division 1 to NAIA levels – are starting to recruit PC players earlier in the season, and their opponents are willing to play at Porterville next season.
“It’s been a great pre-conference season for the PC volleyball,” he said.
“The top programs are used to the attention, but this is all new for us.”
AROUND THE CVC
Defending Central Valley Conference champion Fresno is ranked No. 1 in the North and No. 4 in the state. The Rams were 10-1 entering Wednesday’s CVC match.
Taft (8-4 before Wednesday) entered this week’s rankings at No. 9 in the North and No. 24 in California.
“Having three teams in the rankings is great for the CVC,” Henderson said.
“The key is for us to keep winning to secure the best spots possible for the playoffs.”
Other records entering the week: Merced (5-4), West Hills (3-6), College of the Sequoias (2-3), and Reedley (2-6).
