The MSJC volleyball team had a shaky start to the opening round of the 3C2A Regional play-offs on Saturday night, but found their footing to defeat Riverside 3-1 and advance to the next round.

The Eagles dropped the opening set 25-12, before coming back to win three straight 25-21, 25-14, and 25-15.  MSJC cut down on their first set errors to take control of the match about half way through the second set.  The Eagles then dominated the third and fourth sets on the way to victory.

Mckenna Conklin, the Inland Empire Athletic Conference Player of the Year, led the Eagle offense with 17 kills on the night.  First Team All-Leaguer Brooklynn Thomas knocked down 12 kills as well for MSJC.  Carley Kruse and Hailey Frary did their part as they each had 6 kills in the victory.  Trysta Vincelli had a match best 31 assists.  The Eagles defense also got some solid performances as Lilly Galvan and Thomas each picked up a team high 17 digs.  The net defense for the Eagles produced 3 solo blocks and 14 block assists, led by 1 solo and 4 block assists by Kruse.  Frary had a solo and 3 assists at the net.

The Eagles improved to 23-5 on the season with the win and now advance to take on Grossmont Tuesday at 6 pm in El Cajon.  The Eagles will be looking to avenge a late August loss to Griffons.  Grossmont enters the post-season 24-1, they were the undefeated champions of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.