Game Recap

Los Angeles Mission College vs. Desert
August 22, 2025 – Sylmar, CA
Final Score: LA Mission 3, Desert 1 (22–25, 25–23, 25–19, 25–21)

Eagles Rally to Take Season Opener

The Los Angeles Mission College Eagles kicked off their 2025 season with a strong 3–1 victory over visiting College of the Desert. After dropping a tight first set 22–25, the Eagles regrouped and stormed back to win the next three frames, showing balance on both sides of the ball and resilience in front of their home crowd.

Set-by-Set Breakdown

• Set 1 (22–25 Desert): Despite hitting an efficient .333 with 13 kills, LA Mission couldn't overcome Desert's early momentum. Desert's Clairie Thomas (18 kills) led the charge as the Roadrunners capitalized on Eagle miscues late to steal the opener.

• Set 2 (25–23 LA Mission): The Eagles responded with a gritty performance. Behind Tawnie Ohrt's powerful swings and a .387 team hitting percentage, Mission evened the match at one apiece.

• Set 3 (25–19 LA Mission): With momentum on their side, the Eagles controlled the third set. Setter Rio Sandaiji distributed the ball with precision (26 assists, 30 digs), while the defense tightened up, holding Desert to just a .115 hitting mark.

• Set 4 (25–21 LA Mission): Mission closed the match with poise, using a balanced attack from Ohrt and Amya Cheatham January to secure the victory.

Eagles Standouts

• Tawnie Ohrt (OH): Dominant from the outside, Ohrt posted a match-high 24 kills on .389 hitting, adding 2 blocks for a total of 25.5 points.

• Amya Cheatham January (MB): Provided steady offense with 10 kills, 3 service aces, and 4 block assists for 15 points.

• Maddie Perry (OH): Contributed 14 kills and 3 blocks, keeping pressure on Desert's defense.

• Rio Sandaiji (S): The engine of the offense with 26 assists and stellar back-row play with 30 digs.

• Sofia Vazquez (L): Anchored the defense with 12 digs and 3 aces, applying pressure from the service line.