After going the distance to defeat Yuba College in the quarterfinals, the Cerritos College women’s volleyball team lost in straight sets to Cypress College in the semifinals of its home tournament on Saturday, Sept. 12.

In the quarterfinals, the Falcons had scores of 25-21 and 25-19 respectively in the first two sets before losing the next two sets 25-18 and 25-17 only to win the fifth set by a score of 15-12.

Additionally, in the quarterfinals, 11 kills from Brenda Monzon, 29 digs from Jasmine Peralta and 43 aces from Natalie Caravantes led Cerritos College.

The semifinal match saw Cerritos College lose by scores of 25-18, 25-20, and 25-18 respectively.

“It was a good tournament,” Head coach Teresa Velazquez said. “[Cypress] came out playing well and in the end, they were too good for us.”

“It helped us a lot,” outside and right side hitter, Valerie Montoya, who had eight kills and four digs in the semifinal match said.

“It was a good tune up for what is to come later this season,” she added.

Middle blocker and outside hitter Jasmine McNeal, who finished with three kills in the semifinals, said, “[This tournament] really got us determined and prepared us for the remainder of the season. We just have to keep fighting.”

Sophomore Libero Jasmine Peralta was named to the all-tournament team for the tournament.

The Falcons will have a week to rest and recuperate before heading out to face Riverside College on Wednesday, Sept. 23.