Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 5:12
Key Takeaways
De Anza College volleyball delivered a commanding performance against Skyline College on Wednesday, October 7, securing a decisive 3-0 sweep. The Mountain Lions maintained their undefeated start in the league standings while hosting a meaningful tribute to two of their own.
The match began with Skyline taking early points, but De Anza quickly responded. Outside hitter Mia Moraski tied the opening score, setting the tone for the Mountain Lions. After a brief back-and-forth exchange, De Anza pulled ahead to win the first set 25-21. Defensive specialist Kyra Nguyen noted that the team found their rhythm after a rocky start, establishing a solid connection that propelled them forward.
De Anza extended their dominance in the second set. Despite a temporary surge from Skyline that forced a regroup, the Mountain Lions steadily increased their lead. They closed out the set 25-19, showcasing improved coordination and offensive pressure. The third set proved more competitive, with Skyline building a six-point advantage midway through. However, De Anza mounted a crucial comeback, winning five consecutive points to take the final set 25-23 and complete the sweep.
Beyond the athletic achievement, the game carried deep personal significance. De Anza hosted its annual Dig Pink event to honor former libero CC Bonnard and outside hitter Lasaides Philyaw-Voorhees, both kinesiology majors currently fighting cancer. Bonnard was recently declared cancer-free following major surgery and eleven months of chemotherapy after a December diagnosis. Philyaw-Voorhees underwent surgery last week after a lump was discovered during a physical exam.
I feel so honored we are able to host it for our two teammates who were battling cancer. We were able to celebrate CC beating cancer at the game.
The team wore pink uniforms and channeled their motivation into the match. Nguyen emphasized the broader message of the event, noting that cancer affects people much closer than many realize. The victory served as a powerful celebration of resilience and teamwork for Bonnard, Philyaw-Voorhees, and the entire roster.
Hosted at the De Anza College Main Gym in Cupertino, Santa Clara County, the event highlighted the strong community ties within Silicon Valley higher education. De Anza remains a prominent athletic program in the region, consistently competing at a high level in state conferences. The Dig Pink initiative underscores the local focus on health awareness and student support networks across California campuses.
De Anza College has built a reputation for competitive club sports and strong academic programs in kinesiology and biology. The Dig Pink tradition aligns with broader statewide breast cancer awareness campaigns, bringing attention to early detection and survivorship. This victory improves the Mountain Lions standing as they prepare for upcoming conference matchups.
With a clean sweep and a heartfelt tribute, De Anza College volleyball demonstrated both athletic excellence and unwavering support for their peers. As the season progresses, the team aims to carry this momentum and community spirit into future games. Fans can follow their ongoing conference schedule for more updates.
