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Following in the footsteps of their idols, the undefeated 2008 U.S. Men’s Olympic volleyball team, the boys’ varsity volleyball team remains undefeated this season in the AAA division.
With a 7-0 record, the team is on its way towards championships once again. “I think the boys have really improved since last year,” senior Priscilla Richardson said. “We’re hoping to continue our streak and push to win three more games until the playoffs,” junior opposite hitter Lincoln Lam said.
Last year, the Cardinals were undefeated until their 3-2 loss during the championships to the Balboa Buccaneers. “We were disappointed at the loss last season, but the team is building teamwork and improving on our plays,” senior outside hitter Chen Chen Huo said.
With skilled new members this year, the team has high hopes for upcoming playoffs and championships. “The difference between last year and this year is that we have a lot of young players who can play up to the level of older members,” coach Steven Wesley said. “We have a lot of versatile players who I can easily switch around in games.”
The team’s defense has also improved since last year. “We might lack the offense compared to last year, but our defense has stepped up,” senior captain and setter Joe Lee said. “Our team this year is faster and we emphasize quick passes more.”
In addition to improving as a team, the Cardinals seem to have benefited from having more energetic players and spectators. “We’re known for having a loud, energetic bench which helps both the players on and off the courts,” Lam said. “More people tried out for the team this year and I see more people come out to watch games.”
Their streak has brought them a fan club. “They have new tricks up their sleeves and their games are a lot more exciting to watch.” Richardson, and friends have watched and cheered on the team at every game since the beginning of the season.
In recent games, the Cardinals defeated the Lincoln Mustangs 3-1 on April 16 and the Galileo Lions 3-0 on April 23. Though the Cardinals won, they faltered in the beginning of the games. “The game against Lincoln was disastrous during the first set,” sophomore captain Tenny Zeng said. The Cardinals played with a new tempo that got them through the second, third and fourth sets easily, according to Zeng. “The game against Galileo was quick and very well played, especially since Nick Lew, the setter on Galileo's team was injured,” he said.
Though the Cardinals dominated in the AAA league, they lost some games outside of the AAA division. The Cardinals defeated Head Royce 3-2 on March 2, and lost to St. Ignatius Prep Wildcats 1-3 on Tuesday March 9 and 0-3 on Wednesday April 21. “The S.I. players had height,” senior outside hitter Brian Wong said. “Overall, they played better than us.”
The Cardinals also participated in the Sacred Heart Tournament and the Norcal Classic Competition in Mare Island, in which of which the volleyball team faced tough competition. The team picked up their game though in the Norcal Classic Competition and nabbed a second place title. Yet the team faltered in these competitions, losing several games against some of the top teams in the Bay Area and Northern California. “One time we played Mountain View’s really tall team in the Sacred Heart tournament and they had really good blocks,” Zeng said. “I felt our team's energy and fighting spirit died when we played them.”
Come support the boys’ volleyball team today at 4 p.m. at Lowell against the Balboa Buccaneers.
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