Varsity Boys’ Volleyball Defeated by San Marino Titans Despite Meticulous Execution

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KEVIN KONG
Sports Editor

Beginning the preseason with a record of 2-0, the varsity boys’ volleyball team faced the San Marino Titans on Mar. 4. The Moors played with bravado and skill, but fell short with a game score of 0-3 and an overall score of 60-76.
“We need to really improve on our blocking. We are not the biggest team around [in terms of size], but we definitely are more than capable of getting a few [blocks],” Head Coach Charles Tran said.
The game kicked off with a close point-for-point first set as the Titans held the largest scoring margin, which was three points. There were a total of 13 ties within the first set and, despite strong spiking and excellent dig saves, the Moors could not catch up due to the Titans’ powerful blocks and easy returns, thus ending the set with a final score of 24-26.
In the next set, the Moors went on a 0-6 run before scoring their first point. The team was struggling defensively with incomplete saves, but soon caught up to the Titans at 15-15 by having persistent spikes and kills. San Marino, however, retaliated with attacks that ended the set with the Moors trailing 20-25 in the set and 0-2 in the game.
In the final set, the Moors gave up several points due to out-of-bounds shots and net violations. After the boys were down 9-13, the set became a point-for-point match and concluded with a set score of 16-25.
“I think [the Moors are] a strong team, very athletic and talented […] but I think we caught them on an off day,” Titan senior setter Kevin Lai said
According to Tran, their first loss was partly due to a lack of communication on the court and a weaker defense. The team’s current preseason record is 3-4, after losing two consecutive games, winning against the El Rancho Dons on Mar. 11 losing again on Mar. 13. The Moors’ first league match will take place on Mar. 26 against the San Gabriel Matadors. The Moors will continue persevering through this season to try to make the post-seasonal California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs.
“Our goal for this season is to come in at least second [place] in league. With that, we can advance to CIF for the first time since ‘05,” senior outside hitter Andrew Lau said.