By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons won its second match of the season in a quick 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-9) sweep of visiting Santa Monica College at the Cougar Cage on Friday.

Canyons (2-0) played a tight first set vs. the Corsairs (0-2) before establishing a rhythm that led to quick results in both the second and third frames.

The Cougars were able to achieve the feat by way of 16 aces, including six from libero Elizabeth Gannon, who goes by the moniker “Tiny.” Gannon also recorded 10 digs to tie for the team lead with sophomore Shayla Johnson.

Johnson added three aces of her own to go with 12 kills from the outside hitter slot.

Freshman middle blocker Grace Ferguson continued her hot start to the season with six kills and three aces. In Tuesday’s match vs. Glendale, Ferguson recorded eight kills and two blocks.

COC, in the midst of a four-game homestand, has now won back-to-back matches to begin the season.

Up next for the Cougars will be a meeting with defending California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Champion Irvine Valley College.

Making the matchup with IVC more intriguing is the fact that Canyons was eliminated by the Lasers in a heartbreaking 3-2 (19-25, 25-13, 26-28, 25-23, 14-16) loss at the state championship tourney in December.

“That will definitely be our first big test,” said COC head coach Clay Timmons. “I imagine Irvine is going to be as solid as ever.”

Here’s the box score. For mpore game photos, click here.

The Cougars and Lasers will get underway at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, in the Cougar Cage.

Stay up to date on all this season’s action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

— Photo by Jacob Velarde/COC Sports Information