The Solano College women’s volleyball team showcased remarkable skill and teamwork as they swept Mendocino College in a decisive match on October 25, 2023. Under the leadership of head coach Darla Williams, the Falcons secured a 25-9, 25-16, 25-13 victory, marking their second consecutive sweep since Williams celebrated her 600th career win just five days earlier.
Darla Williams, who has dedicated over 23 years to coaching at Solano, expressed her joy at reaching this milestone. “And I don’t even have my record from my first three years,” she noted with a laugh, reflecting on the time before digital record-keeping. Approximately 400 of her wins have come during her tenure at Solano, with the remainder accumulated during her coaching at the high school level with Vintage and Will C. Wood. Williams admitted she never anticipated such a long coaching career, initially considering a path in nursing before embracing volleyball coaching.
With this latest win, the Falcons improved their record to 11-0 in the Bay Valley Conference (BVC) and have already clinched the conference title for the eighth consecutive year, and the tenth overall under Williams. “It was exciting for this group to hit another big thing,” she said, celebrating their ongoing success.
Key Performers Shine
The standout performers for Solano were the sophomore quartet of Kaylie Reyes, Giana Guintu, Aliyah Aguiar, and Lilliana Mass, who collectively delivered an impressive 39 of the team’s 49 kills. “We’re pretty unstoppable when we have all four of them on,” Williams remarked, highlighting their critical role in the team’s postseason ambitions.
Reyes contributed significantly in the first set, achieving four kills, four aces, and three assists, including a remarkable 9-0 run that propelled the Falcons to their dominant first-set win. “What’s neat is that Kaylie and Giana, neither have ever set,” Williams explained, acknowledging the training they undertook over the summer to enhance their skills. “The excitement I got with her. She’s 5-2, cranking the ball down. Nobody has a 5-2 that can hit that hard.”
Aguiar maintained the momentum in the second set, delivering six of her team-high 12 kills, helping to secure the set with a final kill from Ava Haven, bringing the score to 24-15.
As the third set commenced, both teams exchanged points before Solano pulled ahead with a 6-1 run, featuring two kills from Guintu. The Falcons then finished strong, culminating in a 13-5 run to complete the sweep.
Looking Ahead
Williams expressed confidence in her team as they prepare for the playoffs, acknowledging the challenges they may face against larger opponents. “In the playoffs, we will be challenged, we’re small compared to the higher level people,” she stated. “But hopefully we make up for it on defense.”
The Solano College Falcons continue to build on their impressive season, with their eyes set on achieving further success in the upcoming postseason. The synergy of their talented players, coupled with Williams’ extensive coaching experience, positions them as a formidable contender in collegiate volleyball.
