The varsity boys volleyball team surpassed all expectations this year as they set themselves up for success, hitting their stride early and finishing with an astonishing overall record of 15-1. Coming in first in Prep League, the team advanced to the first round of CIF, but their season ended on May 27 in a hard-fought 1-3 loss against Woodbridge High School.
Co-head coach Katrina Damasco called the final match the most memorable game of the season, emphasizing her pride in the team’s effort, diligence and hard work.
“Our CIF game against Woodbridge is the game that stands out the most, and not because we lost that game. It stands out because that’s probably some of the best volleyball I’ve coached. We were in a rhythm, the guys were fighting for every point, the energy was high, it was intense. It was a true culmination of the season,” commented Damasco.
Looking back at the team’s progress, Damasco cited their early struggle to settle into a comfortable position alignment as the biggest challenge they faced this season.
“It took us a little bit to find our team. In the beginning, there were people playing in different positions. But, once we found the right combination of the right people, then we found our stride,” said Damasco.
From there, the Panthers were just about unstoppable. Under the leadership of their only senior, Bardia Vincent, the team swept through the Prep League, finishing with a league record of 8-0. Both coaches attribute their achievements to the team’s unity and work ethic.
Co-head coach Jack Prater noted, “Our success is largely due to the level of student-athlete dedication this year. The team made a commitment to themselves and the program to be there at each activity and practice. If they had a conflict, they would arrange for a morning or Saturday practice to put in the work.”
Junior Cole Mallinger, who plays middle, said, “We had an amazing team connection and bond, which was partly due to the fact that we all cared so much about the team, but it was also the leadership from the players themselves,” he said. “Bardia was one of those players. He was silent but his leadership shone through with his volleyball talent, and it truly motivated the rest of the team.”
Looking to the next season, the team will mourn the loss of their libero and star senior, but the Panthers look forward to returning as an older and more experienced team.
“We hope for continued success and growth. Bardia played a huge role in the back row as our libero and those are going to be some big shoes to fill. But we have everyone else returning. And we’re hoping they return stronger and with more experience,” Damasco explained.
Junior Scout Hollingsworth, who plays opposite hitter, commented, “We will be back stronger next year.”
