The De Anza volleyball team won 3-0 against San Jose City College in a brisk match Wednesday, Oct. 23. Communication among players played a major role in the Don’s quick victory.

“They were talking and they were calling their hits, which made a huge impact,” said assistant coach Jila Maleksalehi.

From the start of the match, De Anza played with consistent rhythm that also contributed to the win.

“I thought we played (with) our tempo and our style of play, which is what I wanted them to do,” said head coach Dawnis Guevara.

The first set went to De Anza 25-8.

It began with a great serve from sophomore setter Rolena Thomassin and continued with hits from sophomore captain and right side hitter Julie Sam.

While the De Anza team was alert and agile, SJCC repeatedly served the ball short of the net and missed the ball entirely because of a lack of communication.

SJCC started the second set, but De Anza scored the first point. De Anza won 25-10.

The final set showcased exceptional skills by De Anza.

Sophomore middle blocker Mishel Deemer started with a great hit, scoring an early point for De Anza.

Next were several hits from freshmen outside hitters Valerie Evans and Rachel Rosete. De Anza took the last set with a final score of 25-13.

“This was the sharpest they’ve looked,” said David Blackburn, father of freshmen right side hitter Katie Blackburn. “I was impressed.”