Serving Wins: Men's Volleyball Sweeps Two Games in One Week
The men’s volleyball team bumped school expectations a notch higher last week after dominating two matches. In doing so, the 15 boys set a new record for Mission Vista High School.
The “T-wolves” triumphed two (3-0) wins this past week against Escondido High School and Maranatha Christian High. So far, the team has played five games, and currently holds a “win-loss” stat of (2-3).
So far, this may not sound overwhelmingly impressive. However, when considering past years, the current “win-loss” stats hold promise for a successful season.
Enthusiastic about the team’s future, senior and T-Wolf setter Julian Phelps comments, “There is so much potential on this team and this is the year that potential will be unlocked. I believe we will play with fantastic capability and develop each players own, unique skills.”
Mission Vista’s men’s volleyball program only began two years ago, in 2016. Since then, previous teams have struggled to maintain notoriety, and track records have fallen short of “admirable.”
According to the team’s current athletes, the best season’s “win-loss” stat was (3-14), or something near that. That being said, no team has ever won two games in one week. Seeing as the T-wolves of 2018 already have two wins under their belt, it’s only looking up from here.
“This year has already been surprising with how we have been playing so far,” acknowledges Antonio Bobadilla, senior and middle-hitter. “With our first tournament coming up this weekend, I believe that we have a spot to beat our record from last year.”
Bobadilla speaks of the Firebird Festival Tournament, which is scheduled to take place this weekend at Del Lago Academy. Although the boys look forward to the competitive environment, many see the tournament as an opportunity to develop their skills and bond together.
“I'm looking forward to it because I know that within that time, I will become a better volleyball player as an individual, and we will become better volleyball players as a team.” acknowledges Michael Parizeau, the team’s only sophomore.
Parizeau (setter) is a new addition to the team. This year, he joins seasoned players, Julian Phelps (setter), Christopher Cannon, Kellen Nani, Max Ferrer and Felix Tambrum (all outside hitters), Maurice Anderson (opposite hitter), Antonio Bobadilla (middle hitter), Blake Woodmansee (middle blocker), and Tyler Roland (libero).
Among the season’s new comers are Kenneth Thai and Lohgan Spencer (both middle hitters), Nico Nani and Gavin Tarzian (defensive specialists), and Logan Harteloo (right side hitter).
“We had a fun, helpful pre season where both new and returning guys had the opportunity to step on court and learn about volleyball.” recalls Anderson, MVHS senior. During that pre season, he says,“ we established a strong connection as a team and an overall program.”
The current T-Wolfs started practicing in December and ultimately tried out for the demanding sport in February. Now, with practices and “open-gyms” combined, athletes are spending up to 15 hours each week training.
“Our team is better put together than previous years,” notes Woodmansee, senior. “We worked way more in the off season than in the past--doing workouts or drills--and I think a lot of that got the team warmed up to volleyball.”
Furthermore, says Woodmansee “Our teamwork evolved as a result of all that practice time.”
Others credit team success to positive player dynamics. “Everyone on the team is pivotal to the success of others. The support and guidance from my teammates is unlike any other sport I've participated in,” acknowledges Ferrer, senior.
As far as history goes, the 2018 T-Wolves are taking the court by storm. Just one win away from matching last season’s record, there is great promise in the 15 players, both new and returning. And as for the spike in wins-- we’re diggin’ it.