SALINAS – The 2024 Coalinga College women's volleyball season got off to a solid start with the Falcons outlasting West Valley College 3-2 in both teams' season opener on Tuesday. Coalinga went on to split its two matches at the Hartnell College tri after dropping a 3-0 match to the host Panthers later in the day.

Returning first-team All-Central Valley Conference selection Zoe Ruskofsky had a huge season debut for the Falcons in their 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 18-25, 16-14 win over West Valley. She dominated on both ends of the court, leading Coalinga with 21 kills while adding 23 digs.

Freshman Macy Ellis totaled 17 kills in her first match in a Falcons' uniform and returning second-team All-CVC pick Kaylee Bayer had 13 kills. First-team all-conference setter Sarah Wold totaled 32 assists and 7 digs.

Sophomore Aryam Munoz led Coalinga with 25 digs and 4 aces.

The Falcons had a tougher time against Hartnell, battling in a 25-18, 25-17, 25-21 loss. Ruskofsky led her squad with 6 kills and 11 digs. Sophomore Tiffanny Kelton served up 4 aces and had a pair of blocks.

Coalinga, now 1-1 overall, returns to action on Friday (Aug. 30) when the Falcons will compete at the West Hills Challenge in Lemoore. Coalinga is scheduled to take on Lassen College at 12 p.m. and Cuesta College at 4 p.m. with all matches played at Golden Eagle Arena.