Boys volleyball: Amato’s defense crucial to team’s performance

As the opponent serves a killer jumper, the team watches as the ball plummets toward the ground, already knowing that it cannot be saved. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, senior defensive player Alex Amato dives down and digs the ball up, keeping the game going and allowing his team a chance to strike the ball back.

Amato, who has been playing volleyball for six years, plays the position of libero, typically played by the most skilled defensive player on the team.

“I pass and dig the other team’s hits to try and get the ball up to our setter,” Amato said.

As he enters his last season of volleyball in high school, Amato says he is excited for the season.

“I’m a little sad about leaving the team but it should be a good season to wrap up my high school career,” Amato said.

Senior middle hitter Salmaan Javed, who has been playing with Amato for three years, said Amato’s defense is vital to the team’s performance.

“Amato’s great passing keeps us alive defensively and leads to good offense,” Javed said.

According to Amato, it is important to enjoy playing volleyball with the team.

“We do our best to keep the sport super fun and down to earth,” Amato said.

Amato also plays an important part in keeping team morale high, according to Javed.

“He’s a funny guy and keeps us positive,” Javed said.

Amato says that though he does not plan to play volleyball in college, he will probably participate in intramural volleyball.

“It’ll just be for fun, nothing serious,” Amato said.

So far, the Falcons have lost their two games against Leland on March 2 and Prospect on Feb. 29. Senior left back Ali Kothari, however, has high hopes for the season.

“Considering that we’ve only been playing as a team for a short while because of winter sports, we are doing extremely well,” Kothari said. “I think this season has a lot of potential, way more than past years.”

The team has moved down to the El Camino League this year after a 0-12 record last year in the De Anza League. With Daniel Lopez as the returning coach, the team will compete against schools such as Lynbrook, Prospect and Fremont this year.

Amato says he is excited for this season, and his final year with the team.

“My favorite thing about volleyball is the group of cats we have on the team,” Amato said. “There is a great sense of camaraderie.”