Chloe Gruwell and the Knights women’s volleyball team continued their impressive stretch this season, winning 3-1 (25-18, 25-11, 24-26, 25-11) against Imperial Valley College on Oct. 12. The Knights improved their record to 9-6 overall and 2-1 in conference play for the 2016 season.

The Knights started the game sluggishly, falling behind in the early going 14-12. Coach Dede Bodnar called a timeout and the team responded by finishing the first set on a 13-4 run.

When asked what was said during that timeout, the coach replied, “We were playing their game and just needed to focus on what we were doing and we did great.”

Imperial Valley’s frustration began to show in the second set when the Knights jumped out to a 20-9 lead. Imperial Valley’s star outside hitter, freshman Megan Lerno, looked outmatched by City’s dynamic team chemistry and dominant attack.

Outside hitters, sophomore Gruwell (17 kills, 24 digs), freshman Lysette Serna (12 kills, 11 digs) and sophomore middle blocker Kali Weires (11 kills, 8 solo blocks) were too much for Imperial Valley to handle.

Other standouts included sophomore setter, Megan Kronschnabel (25 assists, 9 digs) and sophomore libero, Brenda Cotto (23 digs).

Imperial Valley did take the third set 26-24 behind the inspired play of Lerno and others but the Knights were resting some of their starters during the set. City College ended the night on a high note by dominating the final set 25-11.

The Knights are hitting their stride at just the right moment, as a showdown with first place Grossmont College (15-1) is on the schedule for Oct. 19 at Harry West Gymnasium. The Knights will have an opportunity to gauge where they stand among the best teams in the region. Game time 5 p.m.