Head Coach: Lori Gragnola
Last year’s record: 12-3
Recap: After finishing first in the El Camino Division for the first time in 10 years, the boys’ volleyball team has stayed in the El Camino this year. Last season, the team was able to beat Summit Shasta 3-0 in the first game of CCS but ultimately lost to Aragon 0-3 in its second game.
Key Matchups: Mountain View, Los Altos
Star Players: Junior outside Jeremy Si, sophomore middle Ahmed Abdalla, sophomore setter Lawrence He and defensive specialist Andy Zhu, senior middle Ryan Backhus
Key losses to graduation: Kali Duvurri, Eric Norris, Sam Kau, Scotty Rich and Edmond Hsu
League: El Camino
Prognosis:
The team is entering this season in a rebuilding mindset, trying to fill in the shoes of five key graduated seniors last year. The team finished first in the league last season, largely thanks to highly skilled seniors, notably setter Kali Duvvuri and outside hitter Eric Norris. Now, the team’s core consists of mostly underclassmen, including two freshmen — outside hitter Owen Su and libero Allen Huang.
“Although we lost a lot of really good seniors that had a huge impact on our team, we are now focusing on rebuilding and developing around our younger guys, who will be the future of our team,” sophomore opposite Anson Hulme said.
Following Kali’s graduation, they will have to replace the team’s starting setter for the past four years. Senior Andy Zhu and sophomore Lawrence He are stepping into the role.
“It is definitely going to be hard to fill Kali’s shoes and there is a lot of pressure for me to perform well by taking on his role,” He said. “Adjusting to a new position nis definitely going to be hard but I believe that I’ll be able to slowly ease into the role as the season progresses.”
To maintain the team’s morale, the six seniors are building connections with younger players
“I feel like it’s my job to hold a lot of the younger guys accountable,” senior middle Ryan Backhus said. “It’s important to keep them honest, on time, and read. I think it’s also my job to make sure everyone’s supporting each other and keeping that unified mentality.” Despite the team being young, they remain determined to build chemistry and grow together as the season progresses. Head coach Lori Gragnola emphasizes that while this year may have its struggles, certain players have stepped up and it is a good opportunity to build a strong foundation.
In addition to a new setter, the team is also adjusting to a different defensive dynamic. With freshman Huang stepping in as the libero, his performance in the back row will be crucial in keeping the team’s passing consistent.
Offensively, outside hitters Owen Su and junior Jeremy Si, and middles Backhus and sophomore Ahmed Abdalla will be key contributors, expected to play large roles in the team’s attack.
“This season might be a little rough and bumpier compared to the last, but it will be a good rebuilding and developmental season to see what we need to work on,” Hulme said.
The Falcons lost to Leigh 0-3 on March 5 in their first preseason game and will take on Cupertino on March 7 for their next preseason game.
