Ava Nicols
Sports Editor
Redondo Union for the first time this season at home Wednesday. After an exciting five-set game against Mater Dei with the help of junior outside hitter Victor Loiola to help secure the win, the Mustangs continued their momentum during the match and dominated the court for the second time this week, winning 3-0.
“This week’s winning streak helps the team’s energy by giving us confidence as we head into our next match,” Loiola said. “Our wins against Mater Dei and Redondo were great for us mentally; our team is looking good heading into tomorrow.”
In the first set, the Mustangs worked through some minor unforced errors, ironing out their plays for the rest of the game. Staying neck and neck with the Seahawks during the first set, Costa kept its hits controlled and won, 25-22.
“When the team makes unforced errors, it affects our momentum because we give life to the other team,“ junior outside hitter Stone Seligson said. “When we are winning, we need to finish our games and not get too confident before the set or game is over.”
Junior libero Zach Chapin was crucial in keeping the ball up from the Seahawks’ defense. According to Chapin, keeping the ball up is the name of the game as it extends the play to give the hitters another chance to win the point.
“Zach is one of our biggest assets,” junior setter Tread Rosenthal said. “His passing and defense make our team run perfectly. He is also a big spark plug in tough times and makes sure to keep us all focused.”
The Mustangs got an early lead in the second set with the help of Rosenthal’s blocks, but the Seahawks quickly caught up. Seligson and sophomore middle blocker Akea Gealon were able to block multiple shots, allowing the Mustangs to gain a bigger lead.
“Big moments during games like big blocks get the team fired up and keep the energy high,” Seligson said. “I think we passed well during this game also, which is always good.”
A block from Loiola tied the score, 24-24, after a few back-and-forth points. The Mustangs won the second set, 28-26, with a clean play from senior setter Jason Walmer and Loiola.
“I feel like we have a real good shot to do something great against Loyola, and I think we will,” Loiola said. “We haven’t played them yet this season, so this game is important.”
According to Chapin, the Mustangs were on fire entering the third set, hoping to win efficiently. The team was able to communicate and capitalize on the Seahawks in the third game, winning 25-21. A hit from junior outside hitter Cortez Guillermo closed the game with a Mustang win, 3-0.
“As a libero, I set up the play with a pass the majority of the time, putting the offense into the system,” Chapin said. “Serve-receive is by far my most important job.”
The team takes on Loyola High School tonight at Loyola Marymount University at 6:30 p.m. Its current record is 14-3.
“I do think nerves are high going into this rivalry game because it is one of our biggest,” Loiola said. “I think the nerves will give me a lot of adrenaline come game time, and I hope it translates onto the court.”
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