Pierce Lead Slips and So Does Match : Volleyball: Top-seeded Brahmas lose in State tournament for second consecutive season. Theymade final last year.

IRVINE — After quickly disposing of Golden West in the first game of its state semifinal volleyball match, it appeared Pierce College was well on its way to a berth in tonight’s State final.

Amazing how deceptive impressions can be.

The Brahmas’ domination ended as abruptly as the first game, as Golden West rallied for a 3-15, 15-13, 15-12, 15-8 victory at Irvine Valley College.

Twice Pierce (17-3) let leads slip away at critical times.

The Brahmas, who entered the state tournament seeded first, led, 9-5, in the second game.

But a couple of bad sets and two service faults allowed the Rustlers (17-5) to tie it at 9-9.

Even though Golden West managed to steal the momentum, Pierce had chances to win with leads of 12-9 in the second game and 9-6 in the third.

“We didn’t finish tonight,” Pierce Coach Ken Stanley said. “The chances were there and we just couldn’t capitalize on them.”

By the time the fourth game rolled around Pierce was frustrated. It was evident when assistant Coach Burt Fuller received a red card for arguing a lift call on Kevin Barnett.

Pierce trailed, 5-1, at that point and didn’t threaten Golden West again.

Barnett used painkillers for a knee injury he suffered a week ago against Santa Monica. He led Pierce with 36 kills and Jason Ring added 12.

Pierce, which defeated Golden West earlier in the season, lost in the final four for the second consecutive year.

Last season Pierce was 20-0 heading into the championship match when it lost to Orange Coast.

Golden West will play Palomar in the final. The Comets defeated Los Medanos 15-11, 15-10, 15-7.