![Falcons are headed to the playoffs](/sports/wvball/2023-24/photos/P1D2423_main_story.jpg?max_width=450)
Making their first appearance in the Southern California Regional Playoffs since 2009, the Cerritos College volleyball team has been seeded #18 out of the 20 teams. The Falcons (13-8), who finished in a tie for fifth place in the ultra competitive South Coast Conference, will be traveling to take on #15-seeded Bakersfield College at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Renegades (16-6), winners in 12 of their last 13 matches, finished in second place in the Western State Conference South Division. The winner of the match will take on #2-seeded Ventura College.
Cerritos, who qualified for the playoffs in 2009, are looking for their first post-season win since defeating Golden West College in four sets back on November 30, 2005. This will also be the first meeting between the Falcons and Renegades since September 19, 2009 when Bakersfield defeated Cerritos in four sets at the San Diego Mesa Tournament.
The Falcons are led by sophomore Jayda Harris-Amete, who has recorded a team-high 234 kills to go along with 183 digs and 23 service aces, while freshman Jasmine Soto enters the post-season with 200 kills, 191 digs and 19 service aces. They have been complimented by Brisa Cortez (86 kills), Erykah Scott (85 kills, 26 kills) and Kaydence Portillo (81 kills, 23 blocks). Directing the offense this season has been freshman setter Leeya Rubio, who has dished out 603 assists to go along with 148 digs, 48 service aces and 41 kills, while back row specialist Priscilla Castillo leads the team with 302 digs.
As for the Renegades, they have been led by Brianna Bowyer, who has 251 kills and 63 blocks, while Aubree Dees checks in with 166 kills from her setter position to go along with 313 assists, 43 blocks and 42 service aces. Kayla Stephen shares the setter duties and has recorded 221 assists, with libero Kya Jones leading them with 436 digs. Additionally, Haley Tedrow has been dominant at the net at times with 103 blocks and also has 92 kills.