Injuries result in slow start to season

During the first set of the first game of the season against Eastside College Prep on March 5, sophomore star setter Chester Leung landed on opponent’s foot and broke both his ankle and his foot. Since then, Leung has been out, but plans to play again in three weeks, or about a few weeks into league.

“I’m really excited to play again,” Leung said. “It sucks to have to watch from the sideline, but the team is adjusting well.”

But Leung is not the only player injured. Less than a week later, senior middle blocker Sam Kobara, landed on an opponent’s foot while blocking and sprained his ankle on March 10 in a match against Los Gatos.

Only two days later, junior libero Trung Vandinh suffered a concussion on March 12 while playing basketball with some friends.

Despite the multiple injuries the team suffered, it still managed to keep a record of 4-7, as of March 24, when they won against Oak Grove. The team beat Oak Grove 3-0 — first set 25-16, second set 25-22 and third set 25-20. 

The team is adjusting as players are stepping up to fill in the sports of the injured players. Sophomore libero Spencer Yen is now setting instead of Leung, so the team now lost one of its best defensive players in the back row.

“[Setting] came as a huge surprise.” Yen said. “There’s a lot of pressure on the setter because our team this year is really strong, but we can only perform if the set is out there. Overall it’s been a learning experience.”

While adjusting to new positions and new rotations, the defense is not as strong as it could be. As a result, this influences the other positions.

“It’s a lot of pressure because we outsides are constantly up hitting,” senior outside hitter Kevin Tran said.

Despite the setbacks the team suffered early on in the season, it still plans to work hard and win league, which started on March 26.

“Injuries may physically weaken the team, but it strengthens them mentally because it teaches them how to fight during tough times,” Leung said.