ROCKLIN – The Coalinga College women's volleyball team got the 2025 season off to a tremendous start by knocking off one of the state's top teams last year.

Led by 18 kills and 25 digs by freshman Amber Cerny, the Falcons pulled out a marathon 3-2 victory over 2024 state championship qualifier Sierra College on Friday at the Wolverines home court.

Coalinga followed that with a 3-1 win over Sacramento City College to close out the opening-day Sierra Classic.

The early wins will likely set the tone for what could be a promising 2025 season. After dropping the opening set to Sierra, the Falcons rallied to take the next two for a 2-1 lead. The Wolverines answered to tie it up in the fourth set before Coalinga came away with the winner in the fifth and claim the 21-25, 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 15-10 match win.

Cerny was impressive in her Coalinga debut. She also added 6 aces to her big match. Freshman Aurora Sotelo also made her presence felt with 12 kills, 17 digs, and 3 aces. Freshman Kambri Mckeeman added 20 digs, and sophomore Natalie Walsh led with 21 assists to pace the Falcons.

Coalinga continued the momentum with its 25-22, 25-12, 20-25, 25-16 victory over Sacramento City wrap up the event,

Sotelo led with 11 kills with Cerny adding 10 kills and 7 aces. Walsh totaled 19 assists and 8 digs while Mckeeman had a team-best 11 digs.

The Falcons, now 2-0, will look to keep the momentum going next Friday (Aug. 29) when they travel to Lemoore for the West Hills Challenge. Coalinga in scheduled to face Lassen College at noon and Cuesta College at 4 p.m.