By Ava Nicols/Online Editor, Lily Mitchell/Staff Writer
Boys indoor volleyball took a fall against Corona Del Mar (CDM), 3-1, in an away game on Monday.
“We need to focus on closing out games as a team,” sophomore outside hitter Victor Loiola said. “I think if we had kept a higher intensity throughout the entire match, we could’ve had a different ending.”
According to senior outside hitter Mick Bakos, away games pose separate obstacles for the players because they are forced to face mental challenges from spectators and the discomfort of playing in a different gym.
“This game was a good experience for us getting used to playing away games,” Bakos explained. “It was difficult, though, because the Corona Del Mar spectators contributed a big distraction.”
The boys had a slow start, losing the first set, 25-19. However, the Mustangs came back in the second set and closed out many points, resulting in a 25-18 win.
“I felt like we played well when we were gaining more momentum,” sophomore opposite Stone Seligson said, “but once one bad play happened or the ball dropped, we lost all fire.”
The third set presented an opportunity for Costa to take the lead against CDM; however, the Mustangs were unable to close out the set. They lost, 25-22, and headed into the fourth set for their last shot at tying the game. The teams were neck-and-neck in the fourth set, but Costa eventually fell behind, and the game ended with a final score of 3-1.
“We gave it our all, but we really needed to close out the third set,” sophomore libero Zach Chapin said. “We need to work on keeping higher intensity and are ready to focus on our Wednesday game against Peninsula.”
According to Loiola, Bakos was the star player of the game. He consistently blocked, hit, and passed to his teammates as they battled against CDM.
“They’re a good team and played at a high level,” Bakos said. “You have to expect that kind of game the whole time.” The team’s next game was on Wednesday, at Peninsula, where they won, 3-0. setting its record at 8-4.
“It is still early in the season,” Bakos said. “These games are preparing us well for CIF in May.”
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