The Merced Bears volleyball team (Merced, CA), was nudged 1-0 in Saturday's non-league challenge with the host Rio Mesa Spartans (Oxnard, CA)

The Spartans (10-1) will now prepare for their challenge against San Marcos (Santa Barbara, CA). The Royals enter the Channel challenge with a 8-1 record. In their last challenge, San Marcos nipped Dos Pueblos (Goleta, CA), 3-0, in a league challenge.

Next, the Bears encounter the Golden Valley Cougars (Merced, CA) in a Central California Conference challenge, on Monday, March 4. Merced will attempt to move on its 4-4 season record. The Cougars enter the challenge with a 2-1 record after their 3-1 non-league win over Pitman (Turlock, CA).