The San Diego City College volleyball team, on its home court against Pacific Coast Athletic Conference rival Mesa College, nearly forced a fourth set against the Olympians.

But in the end, the late rally wasn’t enough to stop Mesa, which won 25-11, 25-13, 25-21, at Harry West Gym on Oct. 7.

Sophomore Ashley Davies (Burney, CA) and freshman Alexis Mines (Joliet, IL) led the way for the Knights offensively, with seven kills each along with five digs as well. 

“We just didn’t give them our best level of play and while they did some great things, we really beat ourselves,” City coach Audra Dent said. “We just made too many errors and we’re not communicating very effectively.”

City (5-8, 4-3 PCAC) throughout the match never led, but in the third set, with City down 23-17, the Knights were able to bring the score to 24-21 after an error by Mesa.

But Olympian’s second year Maya Jessee (Mission Bay), the team’s top blocker for the match with 2, scored the final point for the win.

After City struggled in the opening set, with Mesa leading by as much as 17-5, the second set was more competitive from the start with City down 13-10.

But after a timeout, the Olympians (14-2, 5-1) outscored the Knights 12-3, taking the second set.

Even after dropping the last three matches, City Athletic Director Aaron Detty still believes this team has what it takes to succeed this year.

“The team played with a lot of heart. They were battling and just it was a tough loss to a very good team this year,” Detty said. “But we’re still in the hunt and a very good opportunity to make the playoffs.”

The Knights next home game will be against Southwestern (8-7, 3-3) at 5 p.m. For information on the volleyball schedule, check out the City College athletics website.