With an overall record of 7-5, the Boys Varsity Volleyball team expects to finish on top of the standings in the Rio Hondo League. After starting out uneasily, they are quickly gaining ground.
The team lost their first game by a score of 3-1 against St. Francis on March 3. This was especially disappointing because they beat them easily last year. After losing some seniors and not playing with each other for a year, the team fell out of sync, made too many careless mistakes and had weak communication.
“The season started off rough, but we are turning a corner,” Sophomore Gabriel Wong said. “I think we will increase our level of play so we can reach the C.I.F. playoffs.”
Recovering from their first defeat, the Rams won their match against Flintridge on March 10. Their offense and strong hitters carried them to a 3-2 win. The team lost their next match against San Gabriel on March 12 by a score of 3-1, primarily because their passing and digging was not as strong as they would have liked it to be.
“Our biggest weakness this year is our lack of a consistent back row,” Junior Nathan Wong said. “After eight seniors graduated last year, we are dealing with lack of experience and strong passers. We just need to pass better and then we will be set.”
Due to the small size of the team, players are taking precautions to avoid injuries, since each person plays a critical role. However, their small size allows the team to be more cohesive, so they are able to trust and rely on each other during games.
“I’ve really enjoyed this season so far,” Junior Jeremy Wong said. “Everyone on the team gets along so well together which makes for a good practice and good friendship bonds.”
Despite starting off inconsistently, the team has high hopes for the season. Players expect to be at the top in the league, and even make it to the playoffs. Along the way, they hope to beat the South Pasadena Tigers, who are two-time defending C.I.F. champions.
“This season I hope that we can place first or second in our league,” Senior Ryan Yung said. “Since only three players are graduating this year, I hope the rest of the team improves so that they can start next season stronger and more confident. I am lucky to have played all four years.”
To secure their place in the league, the team trains two hours a day after school. They do drills, scrimmages and occasionally run. Since most volleyball players play another sport, the team did not train during the offseason. Their training in season has reaped obvious benefits and has proved to pay off.
“We’ve made tremendous progress since the first day back,” Junior Mitchell Kao said. “I think that this team has serious potential to be great this year. As long as we play solid and together as a team, the rest of the season will be a lot easier.”