The DVC women’s volleyball team came away from Wednesday afternoon’s season-opening Diablo Valley Classic tournament 1-1, against Solano and Merced.

In the first game of the tournament, the Vikings faced Solano Community College, losing in a 3-2 comeback by their Fairfield rivals.

The first set of the Viking season was as even as they come. The largest difference for either team was a three-point, 18-15 lead for Solano. However, it was DVC who came out on top right out of the gate with a 29-27 first-set victory to start the season, aided by sophomore right side Sandra Foster.

Solano won the second set and DVC the third, but it would be Solano who emerged the victors, winning the final two sets of the season opener.

Foster contributed 15 kills, 7 assists, 12 digs, 2 blocks and 3 aces in the first game.

Vikings coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb said of her team’s play, “When we’re on a roll, we’re on a roll. When we have a lull we need to make sure we maintain aggressive play. When [a player is] not being consistent or staying aggressive in their play, chances are they’re going to be subbed out.”

DVC’s final game of the tournament against Merced College would also need to be decided in five games with the Vikings on top this time. Once again Foster was a major factor with 10 kills, 3 assists, 12 digs, 3 blocks.

Foster ended the 2011 season with a fractured sacrum and was unable to play the second half of conference play.

Ponciano-Babb said of Foster’s season last year, “She played in our epic match against [Sacramento City College] where we won at their place. She was an integral part of that game. After, she got an MRA and realized she had a stress fracture.”

With little time to prepare for the Diablo Valley Classic, Ponciano-Babb used the opportunity to get a feel for this year’s team.

“Our goal yesterday was to figure out different lineups and let everyone play,” Ponciano-Babb said. “It’s hard to get everyone on the same page with only a week [to prepare].

“I’m excited because I have talent and numbers to choose from. That says volumes in itself. Last year there were only twelve. This year we have numbers, which is great because everyone’s competing for a spot,” Ponciano-Babb said.

The Vikings next home game will be Friday, Sept. 28 against Sierra College.

Wednesday’s top Vikings:

Solano def. DVC (3-2) 27-29, 25-19. 18-25, 25-11, 15-11:

Sandra Foster-15 kills, 7 assists, 12 digs, 2 blocks, 3 aces.

Sheila Tuvell-32 assists, 5 digs

Savana Stevens-11 kills, 14 digs, 1 block

DVC def. Merced (3-2) 25-21, 12-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-12:

Sandra Foster-10 kills, 3 assists, 12 digs, 3 blocks

Abbie Noland-13 kills, 11 digs

Lindsay Wood-6 kills, 4 digs, 7 blocks