Both teams struggling to win in recent games came out battling each other to end their losing streaks.

The Hornets came out of the gates looking motivated and energetic as they built a 5-1 lead early on in the first set.

In what would be the story of the night, the Dons refusing to dig themselves in a hole were able to string together 3 unanswered points to bring the first set 5-4 within reach.

After an exchange of points, Santa Ana would eventually go up 11-10. The lady Hornets keeping their composure would regain the lead 12-11 after a quick two points.

Later on, the Dons would finally grab a hold of momentum and rally four consecutive points to make the game 18-14.

The Dons would go on to win the first set 25-17.

The Hornets would not disappoint in the second set, as they held onto the lead the entire time.

The Hornets taking advantage of Santa Ana’s mistakes early on would put them up 7-3.

The Hornets would go on to build their largest lead of the night 18-10.

The Dons would bring the second set within four points 24-20 but Santa Ana’s freshman, Nekea Strong, would serve the ball into the net to give the Hornet’s the set win 25-20.

“We played great defense and served the ball short in the second set,” Hornets head coach Jason Dillard on set win stated. “We got them out of what they wanted to do.”

Into the third set, which would prove to be the most competitive set of the night, the Hornets would repeat their success by leading 5-1 early on.

Later, the Hornets whom looked like the favorites to win the set 23-18 were stunned when the Dons were able to make a miraculous comeback towards the end of the set.

The Dons were able to rally together as a team and make the game even at 23-23.

Santa Ana would go on to win the third set 26-24.

Into the final set of the night, The Hornets would be able to keep up with Santa Ana early on 11-10 until the Dons began to catch fire and run away with the game.

Santa Ana would accumulate five unanswered points to stretch their lead 20-12.

The lady Hornets were finally able to answer back 20-13, but it was too late.

Santa Ana would capitalize on their opportunities and win the set 25-14.

“We had opportunities, we cashed some of them in, certainly not in the fourth-set but in the first, second, and third we got opportunities to score points,” Dillard said.

The Hornets (2-9) now pay a visit to Saddleback College (6-6) on Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.

“We’ve got some players on the shelf that are hurt trying to get healthy, and get better at the style of volleyball we have to play to be successful,” Dillard said, on their next match against Saddleback College.