By Zane Franklin
Staff Writer
The boys volleyball team faced off in a brisk but enjoyable match against Clovis North High School for the first round of the Southern California Regionals on May 25.
After being awarded the top seed in Division II, the Mustangs defeated the Clovis North Broncos in another quick sweep, winning the first round of the Southern California Regionals.
This was their first match since Saturday’s CIF Finals at Cypress College against the Loyola Cubs, who defeated Mira Costa in four games.
The Mustangs emerged victorious with a sweep, scoring 25-12, 25-15, and 25-9. Sophomore outside hitter/opposite Chris Orenic led the team with 11 kills, and senior middle/outside hitter Jace Olsen guided the team to it’s win on Tuesday in the Fisher Gym at 7 p.m.
Mira Costa played the Southern California Regional Semi-Finals against Norco Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Fisher Gym (the results were not available at the time of press). If they qualified, their next game will be May 29, against Irvine.
The Mustangs will have to give it their all in this game in order to advance to the Regional Finals.
“This game served as a great rebound game after our loss to Loyola on Saturday. I thought my play was strong today, and hopefully we can continue this strong game-play,” Olson said.
Costa gained an early lead in the first game while looking confident and capable of winning the match. Big kills from Orenic and a huge hit from Olsen increased the Mustangs’ lead. A kill by Orenic left the Broncos in a daze and brought the score into the twenties.
In hopes of making a comeback, the Broncos served the ball but were unable to keep it in bounds, ending the game, 25-12.
To the Mustangs’ surprise, the second game started off with the Broncos gaining an early lead. It seemed as if they had gotten their playing in sync, but Costa overtook them with the help of senior opposite Kevin Donohue’s ruthless playing. Powerful kills from Olsen, Donohue and junior outside hitter DJ White quickly put the game back in Costa’s hands.
White smashed a spike through the Bronco defender, ending the second game, 25-15.
“Everybody got to play this game, which was nice because we could see all of the players out there,” Ninnis said.
Costa took the lead in the beginning of the third when the Broncos failed their serve. A kill by Olsen pierced through the defenders, giving a point to Costa.
Various plays from underclassmen who will be playing varsity next year showed the potential strength of the future team. Orenic, in particular, took control of the game and smacked down several kills to further Costa’s lead.
A furious kill by Orenic ended the game with a score of 25-9.
“It was a cool game. We all played pretty well, and I think we had a lot of fun,” Orenic said.
The underclassmen played most of the game to prepare for next year. The boys managed to keep control over the game and defeat the Broncos with a wider margin than the Mustangs did in the previous two games.
“Next year’s varsity will be a completely new team with a totally different chemistry, but it should be a really good team nonetheless,” Ninnis said.
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