The San Diego City College women’s volleyball team came out on top at their annual volleyball tournament Sept. 24 to 25, in which they hosted 13 teams the region and Arizona.

Dede Bodnar, women’s volleyball head coach, said going into the tournament she had only one thing in mind–to win. She said the girls had practiced “extremely hard.”

Since the inception of the San Diego Community College District volleyball tournament in 2005, the Lady Knights had not placed number one.

“When I first started the tournament six seasons ago, I knew it was going to be an uphill process to win … Realistically it seems as if home court advantage gives you a better chance at winning, but not at this level,” Bodnar said.

Sophomore libero Hannah Andrews, who is one of the team captains, said that it (felt) very good to share the win with Bodnar.

“Winning our tournament is probably the (high point) of our season,” Andrews said.

Bodnar said that Phoenix Community College was arguably one of the favorites to win the tournament, since they have a wider selection of players because they offer athletic scholarships.

Bodnar said to triumph over a team of players chosen from across the country tells a lot about the team she leads.

Sophomore setter Kristina Fernandez was named most valuable player during the tournament.

“I love my team,” Bodnar said. “They’re one of the most hard working teams I’ve ever coached.”

The Lady Knights also beat Pima Community College from Tucson, Ariz., in the championship bracket prior to the final match.

Sophomore outside hitter and team captain Brittany Karls said winning the tournament was a “huge momentum swing.”

The remainder of the season will be very critical for the Lady Knights as they finish up the season with conference games. They won over Palomar Oct. 1.