Hornet Beach Volleyball sweeps Saddleback, earns first OEC title

Daniella Alvarez

May 14, 2021

For the first time in the history of Fullerton College’s beach volleyball program, the Hornets are champions of the Orange Empire Conference.

On top of that, the team earned a perfect 9-0 undefeated season.

Each of today’s matches ended with a 5-0 score in favor of the Hornets.

This was the second sweep in a row for the Beach Volleyball team after defeating Santa Ana College by the same score a week earlier.

Kenzie Palmer reaches for Cecilia Aragao to join in on the group huddle after their victory. Photo credit: Daniella Alvarez

In the first match against Saddleback, Fullerton’s Hannah Wilmes and Kenzie Palmer won 21-9, 21-7.

Faith Webb and Chloe Johnson won their games 21-7, 21-9.

Hailey Vargas and Samantha Swanson won 21-9, 21-6, while Hannah Tobin and Alexis Zander won 21-9, 21-7.

In the second match, Wilmes and Palmer won 21-13 and 21-7, Webb and Johnson won 21-9, 21-6 and Vargas and Swanson sealed the deal 21-9 21-7

Brianne Elorriaga and Karen Delgadillo took over Tobin and Zander’s spots in the second match and won 21-2 and 21-8.

Alexis Zander performing a jump serve. Photo credit: Daniella Alvarez

Head coach Megan Glennie credited the team’s winning streak to the girls’ ability to maintain their technique and strategy under pressure.

“We put everything on the line for each other and that’s why we’re champions,” said Hornet volleyball player Alexa Hauser.

“Everyone comes in and works hard for each other and holds each other accountable…this is a family and we could really see that this season,” added Coach Glennie.

The team running to join each other in the group huddle after winning against the Saddleback Gauchos. Photo credit: Daniella Alvarez

The Hornets demonstrated camaraderie on the court throughout the season, treating teammates with respect and supporting each other when given the opportunity.

Coach Glennie also credited today’s win to assistant coach Cecilia Aragao, who has worked hard to better the team on and off the court.

Hailey Vargas (left) and Samantha Swanson (right) high-fiving each other after a good play. Photo credit: Daniella Alvarez

Last season, the Women’s beach volleyball team had an overall record of 1-4 before the pandemic canceled the rest of the season.

Since then, the girls have strived for improvement, which has paid off as they completely turned this year around.

Following the team’s big win, they jumped for joy in a team huddle, and Coach Glennie surprised them with customized t-shirts to honor their victory.

Then the team ran off together to the water where they celebrated some more.

Coach Glennie applauds as her team celebrates their big win. Photo credit: Daniella Alvarez

Now that the Hornets have gone undefeated for the season, they are finishing up with the Perris Tournament.

At this tournament, the team will send their best four pairs to compete. The champion pair will be decided in a single-elimination format.

Following the Perris Tournament, the team begins to train and prepare for the indoor volleyball season coming up next Fall.

The team will lose two sophomores this offseason, providing others the chance to step up as leaders for the team and showcase their skills next season.

In the meantime, you can continue to follow the path of the Women’s Volleyball throughout the offseason by following their Instagram account @fullertoncollege_volleyball.