Boys’ volleyball team works its way up the league table

Even though the boys’ volleyball team headed into the season from a preseason of four consecutive losses, the 3-1 Falcons are proving to be contenders in the El Camino league.

The team won 3-2 against Fremont Firebirds on March 22. The Falcons got off to a rocky start, losing their first two sets to the Firebirds. Despite the deficit, the Falcons managed to win the third set, giving themselves the momentum to win the next two sets and the match.  

"For Fremont we started really cold because we missed serves,” junior opposite hitter Hareet Jhutty said. “In the third [set], we passed really well and that was our momentum starter, which carried us through the rest of the game.”

Even though most of the players only have only one to two years of volleyball experience, the team has been nearing the top of the standings in the league. 

Although out with an ankle injury, senior outside hitter and team co-captain Teddy Sun said he is pleased with the team’s progress.  

"I feel that our team this year is doing extremely well in our league for how young our team is," Sun said. “I'm really proud of how recently we beat Fremont playing away, especially since Fremont was team that beat our team last year.” 

So far, senior Erik Martin has been anchoring the team as a primary blocker. His quick plays and kills to the middle of the court have motivated the other players to improve. 

Prior to the game against Fremont, the Falcons lost 3-0 to the Eastside College Prep Panthers on March 19. The Falcons had an initial lead early in the first set, but fell behind the Panthers, struggling to cover the Panthers’ tips. The Falcons lost their first set and ended up losing two straight sets afterwards, losing the match to the Panthers.

"In the second and third [sets], we were demoralized and couldn't pass well, so we unfortunately lost in three [sets]," Jhutty said.

After missing CCS by one win last year, the team is hungry for a spot in CCS.

"Our goal this year, as our coach (Jason Cardoso) has reiterated since preseason, is to make it to CCS and become our league's champions," Sun said. “Moreover, we are on the path to this goal and we all hope to build more chemistry and bond as one of the largest teams in the league.” 

The team will play Santa Clara at home on April 5.