Katie von Behren
Staff Writer
Originally focusing on a rebuilding year, the Mira Costa High School boys varsity volleyball team had a long run, finishing the season with a 6-2 record in Bay League and 22-9 overall. The boys are currently ranked 15th in the nation and 14th in the state.
The Mustangs ended the season in an away match on May 15 against Trabuco Hills High School. After a five set battle, Costa fell 3-2 in the second round of the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section playoffs.
“I’m very proud of how well the boys played throughout the season,” coach Sean Shaptow said. “We finished farther in CIF than expected and went down with a fight in that final game so I was happy the boys ended strong.”
In the first CIF playoff match on May 13, the boys defeated Mission Viejo High School at home in three sets with scores of 25-11, 25-17 and 25-16. The Mustangs also ended Bay League matches at home with a win in three sets over Palos Verdes High School.
“It felt great to win the first round of CIF especially with the crazy home crowd,” senior opposite hitter, Connor Inlow said. “It means a lot to contribute to the team at each game since it’s my last year so to nail crucial kills felt great.”
The team also competed in several tournaments throughout the season. On May 3rd the boys participated in a neutral tournament, defeating Carlsbad High School 2-0. However, they lost in their next game, 2-0 against La Costa Canyon High School. Costa also came in first place in the tournament they hosted on May 2, defeating Otay Ranch, North Torrance and Dana Hills.
“Each tournament is important in order to improve in a neutral zone,” Shoptaw said.
“They really help the boys work on communication and passing during the games which what makes each match valuable.”
The Mustangs faced Redondo Union High School on May 1 but lost in three sets for the second time this season. The boys had previously won two consecutive games in only three sets, the first against Palos Verdes Peninsula, followed with a match against West Torrance High School.
“It is always tough to lose to a rival like Redondo,” junior middle blocker Chris Caskey said. “We put up a good fight with a lot of great energy on the court but we just missed some crucial plays and that hurt us in the long run.”
For another conference match, the boys played PVHS on April 17 and came up on top 3-2 after a five set game. The Mustangs also traveled to Hawaii to defeat Kamehameha 3-1 but lost 3-2 against Punahou on April 12.
“Traveling to Hawaii was such a crazy experience that we learned a lot from,” junior outside hitter Andy Huchel said. “We showed our strength as a team and really had some great momentum going into each game.”
The boys faced Loyola High school at Loyola Marymount University on March 28 In a neutral non-conference match but fell 3-0. Costa started off Bay League with two consecutive wins. The Mustangs defeated Palos Verdes Peninsula in their first League game in three sets and followed by another 3-0 win over West Torrance High School on April 3, starting off the regular season matches.
“Since starting the season our expectation have changed a lot,” Shoptaw said. “The boys really proved themselves and we are only going to continue improving for next year.”
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