Serving problems doomed the Comets (0-2 Bay Valley Conference, 2-5 overall) against College of Marin (2-1 BVC, 6-6 overall) leading to a loss in three sets on Sept. 20 in the Gymnasium.

Comet libero Delanie Baca (7 digs) said the team was “a little anxious.”

As a result, Marin took advantage of Contra Costa College’s mistakes throughout the game.

“Our serves were easy points. They saw their opportunity, and took it,” Baca said.

During the first set, the Comets showed signs of life after a block when setter Joshleen Ayson (5 assists, 4 digs) set up middle hitter Makaya Thomas (3 kills, 2 blocks) for a kill giving the Comets their second point.

However, Marin still had the lead with five points.

Thomas said her mindset during the game was to get blocks and try to score as often as possible to keep the team’s energy up.

Thomas had 17 total attacks.

On another first set play, Baca anticipated the ball for a successful dig that gave outside hitter Victoria Matue (4 digs, 1 kill) the opportunity to score.

Ayson passed to Baca but the scoring attempt failed, as the ball did not clear the net. Coach Christy Tianero said, “The serves were OK, but need to work a side out to get the ball over the net.”

The Comet effort wasn’t enough, only scoring 10 points in the first set losing it 25-10.

“The first set was dead energy and Marin aimed for mistakes,” Thomas said.

In the set two, Justine Ayson (3 kills, 2 digs) and Joshleen Ayson led a rally ending in a score from right setter Rosa Olivar (1 dig).

Justine Ayson also made a save leading to outside hitter Jacqueline Tianero (5 digs, 1 kill) setting up an opportunity for Thomas to score.

“We talked it up, we hustled, were scrapping, and we fought,” right setter Angel Munar said.

Marin made adjustments and countered the Comets, who weren’t able to defend against their adjustment.

“We need to anticipate the ball and work a little on defense,” Tianero said.

The Comets dropped set two 25-15, falling two sets.

Marin came out attacking in set three, focusing on closing out the game.

“We focus on our side of the net,” Marin coach Lisa Gera said. “It doesn’t matter where the ball is.”

Marin middle blocker Elisa Steele (2 kills, 2 digs) spiked the ball toward Joshleen Ayson.

She failed to save the ball, giving Marin 18 points, doubling the scoring output of the Comets’ nine points.

“CCC battled and kept ball center distributing,” Gera said. On the final play of the game, Joshleen Ayson returned Marin’s shot to set up Thomas for the kill. But the ball failed to get over the net.

Munar said the team would learn from the loss and come out of the gate stronger in their next game. CCC was scheduled to play against Mendocino College last Friday, but the game was rescheduled.

The Comets continue their search for a conference win during a two straight road games this week.

Comets face Yuba College tonight. Friday the Comets take on Laney College.