Aggies sweep Air Force Invitational

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By ADAM LOBERSTEIN

Aggie Sports Editor

The Jamie Holmes era is off with a bang.

Following a 4-0 showing at the Air Force Invitational last weekend, the UC Davis women’s volleyball team is riding a six-match winning streak – its longest since 1999. The Aggies (6-1, 0-0) were 4-24 a season ago.

“I think the team improved a lot in terms of tone,” Holmes said. “It felt like things were a lot more relaxed and in system. There weren’t a lot of chaotic feelings on our side.

“I’m always challenging the team to slow things down. Slow it down in your mind. Don’t react to the ball, but anticipate what will happen and beat the ball to where it’s going. I thought we did a much better job at having a calm presence on our side.”

That calm became evident in UC Davis’ fourth match against host Air Force.

After besting North Carolina State, 3-1, Montana State, 3-1, and Akron, 3-0, the Aggies took the floor against the Falcons.

UC Davis dropped the first two sets, but rallied to claim the final three sets to win the match.

“Air Force was a very important win for UC Davis,” Holmes said. “In a sick kind of way, I was hoping we would face a situation in which we had to go five games with a team. Matches like that are pivotal, because they become mile markers for the future.”

Following its five-game win over Air Force, UC Davis’ future looks bright.

“I wanted to emphasize the fun of going five games,” Holmes said. “You train all summer long and in the offseason for a really competitive match.… You have to enjoy and embrace that feeling.”

The Aggies now try to keep their streak alive at the AT&T Invitational in Reno, Nev. UC Davis will face Pepperdine Friday at 5 p.m., and then host Nevada and Missouri on Saturday at noon and 5 p.m., respectively.

ADAM LOBERSTEIN can be reached at sports@californiaaggie.com.XXX