The American River College volleyball team stomped the Hartnell College Black Panthers during the first round of the playoffs Tuesday night, scoring 25-12 in three out of the four games played to win 3-1.

Hartnell won one out of the four games with a score of 25-21, but ARC played with skill during the match.

“We let up a little bit the second game. We became passive and lacked mental toughness,” said ARC volleyball coach Ashlie Hain.

“The team tends to turn down the heat to match the skill level of some of their opponents. Other than that we played well and we’re still getting better.”

ARC middle Erianna Williams had 12 kills against Hartnell, but agreed with her coach about ARC’s struggles.

“I feel like we were all over the place and were lacking communication,” said Williams.

Seven different ARC players finished four spikes each, two had over 20 digs, and ARC outside hitter Taylor Bunger scored 14.5 points to lead the team.

“Getting points is nerve racking. I feel like I have to be competitive and put it away,” said Courtney Macklin, an ARC middle.

ARC had a group of fans at the game that showed a lot of team spirit by cheering for them.

During game one, Hartnell player Mariyah Oliver, who plays outside hitter, injured her left leg and was unable to play for the rest of the match.

Jamie Pedroza, the coach for Hartnell, was hit by the ball in the second game.

After the game police officers and an ambulance arrived to assist Crissy Almorade, another HC player.

It is unknown as to what injury Almorade suffered, but a police officer at that scene commented saying that he could not say what her injury was, just that she was having a medical issue.

ARC (21-6) is next going to host the second round of the playoffs on Saturday Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. against Fresno City College (22-5).