Game Day Preview: No. 5 Mission Hosts No. 11 Santa Monica

Sylmar, CA — September 17, 2025

The Los Angeles Mission College Eagles (12–0) are set for one of their toughest tests of the season tonight when they welcome the Santa Monica College Corsairs (9–3) to campus. Mission enters ranked No. 5 in the state, while Santa Monica sits at No. 11, setting the stage for a high-level non-conference showdown between two of Southern California's top programs.

 By the Numbers

Mission College Eagles

• Overall Record: 12–0 (No. 5 in State)

• Kills per Set: 12.50

• Hitting %: .253

• Blocks per Set: 3.49

• Service Aces per Set: 2.84

• Digs per Set: 17.70

Santa Monica College Corsairs

• Overall Record: 9–3 (No. 11 in State)

• Kills per Set: 12.93

• Hitting %: .250

• Blocks per Set: 1.88

• Service Aces per Set: 2.86

• Digs per Set: 14.69

Both teams are nearly identical offensively in kills per set and hitting percentage. The biggest gap comes at the net and in the back row, where Mission has established itself as one of the most dominant defensive teams in the state.

 Eagles to Watch

• Tawnie Ohrt (OH, SO): Team leader in kills with 181 (4.21 per set) and 194.5 total points, Ohrt has been the offensive engine all season.

• Amya Cheatham January (MB, SO): A force in the middle with 119 kills (.390 hitting) and a team-best 82 total blocks.

• Maddie Perry (OH, FR): A dynamic freshman with 144 kills (.299 hitting) and 24 total blocks.

• Sofia Vazquez (L, SO): Defensive anchor, averaging 5.19 digs per set with a team-high 223 digs.

• Rio Sandaiji (S, SO): The Eagles' distributor with 265 assists (6.02 per set) and a team-best 31 service aces.

 What to Watch For

1. Battle at the Net: Mission averages 3.49 blocks per set, far outpacing Santa Monica's 1.88. If January and Ohrt control the net, it could tilt momentum early.

2. Serving Pressure: Both teams rank among the state's best in aces per set (Mission 2.84, Santa Monica 2.86). Expect long serving runs and aggressive targeting from the baseline.

3. Defensive Edge: Mission holds opponents to a .096 hitting percentage, thanks to strong block touches and back-row coverage. The ability to slow down Santa Monica's balanced offense will be key.

4. Momentum Swings: Santa Monica enters on a two-match skid, while Mission is undefeated. The Eagles will look to use their home-court advantage to keep the Corsairs on the defensive.