![Sierra freshman outside hitter Taylor Stolz has 207 kills this season. Credit: Frank Salerno Lenie's Pictures](/sports/wvball/2023-24/photos/wvball.23-24.stolz2.jpeg?max_width=450)
The Sierra College volleyball team fell in three sets to Delta on Wednesday dropping to second in the Big 8 Conference, but are still playing well with a 15-3 record this season.
Prior to the loss, the Wolverines won eight matches in a row, including their first five conference games and only lost four sets during the win streak. The Wolverines are averaging nearly 12 kills per set and have been led by freshman and Roseville alumna Taylor Stolz with 207 kills.
"My coaches Alanna and Vera have really made an impact on how I play in the front row," Stolz said. "This is only my third year playing volleyball, so I'm still very new to the sport but they have helped me so much. My biggest goal for the rest of the season is to help my team make our way to the state championship."
Sierra has a young team with only four sophomores and 11 freshmen. Another freshman playing a big role is Lincoln alumna and setter Jordyn Deter who is third in the state with .81 aces per set and has 419 assists and 92 kills.
"I'd say the biggest key to the successes this year has been the way Alanna and Vera push us and expect the best from us," Deter said. "I also think having teammates who hold each other accountable and push everybody to be the best we can. Our team has amazing chemistry and I don't think any of us would be as successful as we are without that."
Ponderosa alumna and outside hitter Paige Skinner is second on the team in aces and digs with 187 and 161, respectively. Woodcreek alumna and defensive specialist Sofia Guerrero is third in the state with 5.59 digs per set and is fourth with 330 total digs.
"It's amazing to have girls that I can rely on to get the job done," Stolz said. "I always know they're going to do what they need to do to help the team win. That helps me relax on the court and stay focused with what I need to do."
The Wolverines are currently tied for second in the Big 8 with American River and are a game behind Delta who are undefeated at 17-0. Delta is ranked first in the CCCWVCA while Sierra is third. Sierra faces Modesto on Friday before playing Sacramento City on Wednesday. Both games will be played at William Jessup University.
"My biggest goals for the remainder of the season are to just keep growing as players and people," Deter said. "We are going to continue fighting for that conference and state championship."