Boys’ Volleyball is off to an incredible start despite having to fill a number of positions left by graduating seniors last year. New talent joined the team, making it even stronger. As of publication, the Lightning hold a 6-4 season record.
During preseason, team members vigorously prepared for the upcoming season under Head Coach Shelby Young. They practiced set after set and honed their skills. Along with the coach, the team developed new strategies to face their opponents and, of course, new cheers to psych each other up. With practices at 6 a.m. players were ready to compete in the Pacific Coast League.
Their first game was a non-league game against Anaheim High School, a team that was third in their league. It was a strenuous match, but Boys’ Volleyball pushed through with a 3-2 win. That same week, they faced Lakewood High School in a home game. Sage Hill students showed their school spirit and cheered proudly for the lightning. The team won 3-1, only dropping one set. The Boys’ Volleyball record ticked to2-0.
The Pacific Varsity Tournament brought out competitive schools from across Southern California. The Lightning played four games in one day. The first was against Norwalk High School. Boys’ Volleyball easily sealed the victory with a score of 2-0. The second game was against Santiago High School. The team worked together to win with a score of 2-0.
“The team has grown a lot this season and I’m excited to see how far we can go.” said Coach Shelby Young
“There’s no I in team. We put in the work and it paid off,” Junior Omar Al-Khatib said.
Their third game was against Pacifica, one of the best teams in the league. Despite giving their all, the boys lost both sets with a score of 0-2. The fourth and final game, against Santa Fe, was a nail-biter. The team fell 0-2. But they were still undefeated in their league.
Boys’ Volleyball went on to face the best team in the Pacific Coast League: University High School. It was a tough battle with each team delivering aces and spikes. The Lightning ended up losing 0-3 in a hard fought battle.
In a home game against Irvine, Boys’ Volleyball came out on top with a 3-2 win on March 12.
“Our goal is definitely to win CIF. We’re going to give it everything and hopefully come out with the W,” Junior Rowlin Garcia said.
The team is slated to travel to the Spartan Classic at Orangewood Academy on March 14.
