COD Beach Volleyball Wraps Up 2025 Season with All-Conference Honors and Grit at SCC Pairs Championships

The College of the Desert beach volleyball team ended its competitive and resilient 2025 season with a strong showing at the South Coast Conference (SCC) Pairs Championships, held at the El Camino College Sand Courts.

As the Roadrunners wrapped up the 2025 season, there were several milestones worth noting such as playing Bakersfield and Los Angeles Harbor for the first time ever, earning their first-ever wins over San Diego Miramar and Los Angeles Harbor, and defeating San Diego City for the first time since 2019.

Desert would send four pairs onto the Conference Championship, the Roadrunners showcased determination, teamwork, and heart on the sand—even with a last-minute roster shakeup. The Desert 2's team had to pivot without standout sophomore Alexia Siani-Rader (Palm Desert Xavier Prep), but sophomore Itzel Solorio (Twentynine Palms H.S.) seamlessly stepped in to team up with freshman Clairie Thomas (La Quinta H.S.), forming a dynamic duo that didn't miss a beat.

Round of 32: Roadrunners Come Out Swinging

COD's top pair, sophomore Bella Branconier (Palm Desert Xavier Prep) and sophomore Stacie Alexander (Yucca Valley H.S.), battled through a thrilling three-set match against a tough Mt. SAC team, triumphing 21-18, 17-21, 15-11 to advance to the Round of 16. Their gritty win earned them Honorable Mention All-SCC honors and capped a remarkable season as Desert's top pair.

The newly formed 2's team of Solorio and Thomas impressed immediately, dominating their match against the host El Camino Warriors with a clean 21-14, 21-12 sweep. Their chemistry clicked at the right time, also securing Honorable Mention All-SCC recognition.

The 5's team, composed of twin freshmen Natalie and Brianna Fabian (Indio H.S.), showed heart but fell to a strong El Camino squad. The 4's pairing of freshman Zayda Jouan (Palm Desert H.S.) and sophomore Savannah Bush (Saint-Lambert Int'l, QC) were unfortunately unable to compete due to a walkover loss.

Round of 16: Battling to the End

In the next round, both remaining Roadrunner pairs faced off against top-seeded conference opponents. Solorio and Thomas pushed the Warriors to the brink in the opening set, narrowly dropping it 25-23, before falling in the second 21-13. Branconier and Alexander, facing a powerful Cerritos team, gave it their all but ultimately dropped their match in straight sets.

A Season to Build On

While their journey to the 3C2A State Championships in Long Beach ended earlier than hoped, Desert Beach Volleyball leaves the sand proud, securing multiple All-Conference recognitions, overcoming roster adversity, and showcasing the potential of its young talent. With three of their four postseason pairs returning next season, the future is bright for Roadrunner Beach Volleyball.

Round of 32:
Bella Branconier / Stacie Alexander (COD) def. Kaylin Mendoza / Jeanie Rhodes (MSAC) 21-18, 17-21, 15-11
Itzel Solorio / Clairie Thomas (COD) def. Madelyn Hancock / Alyssa Estrada (ECC) 21-14, 21-12
Tate Mercer / Aireon Scott (ECC) def. Natalie Fabian / Brianna Fabian (COD) 21-12, 21-7
Eva Becerra / Mayah Tiscareno (MSAC) def. Zayda Jouan / Savannah Bush (COD) Walk Over

Round of 16:
Erica Griffiths / Scheala Nielsen (ECC) def. Itzel Solorio / Clairie Thomas (COD) 25-23, 21-13
Leeya Rubio / Josie Navarro (CERR) def. Bella Branconier / Stacie Alexander (COD) 21-15, 21-8

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photo & Story provided by COD Sports Information.