Boys’ volleyball strives to overcome with young team

The boys lost to Laguna Hills on March 23 in five games.

By Kacie Benson
Staff Writer

Sophomore Andrew McKellips lead the team with 18 kills and junior and captain junior Ryan Hardy lead the team in blocking with eight blocks.

The boys beat Tustin in three games on March 18 when the team was lead by Hardy who had 14 kills and 3 blocks, McKellips and junior Stephen Tinen each made eight kills and sophomore Nick Boyd had 25 assists.

This year’s team showed it has a lot of potential compared to past teams with a 3-2 win at San Juan Hills on March 9.

Again, Hardy led the team with 19 kills with only one error, and junior Stephen Tinen had 12 kills out of 22 attempts.

“Even though we are really young I think we will play good together and get some wins,” Tinen said.

Although there are only two returners from last year, the team is looking stronger experience-wise because more players have participated in club volleyball during the off season.

“The team is looking brighter this year because we are more experienced,” Hardy said.

This is Hardy’s second year on varsity and he plays middle blocker. He has the most blocks and kills so far this season.

“We are a young and athletic team with a lot of talent,” Coach Chris Lee said. “The ability to overcome our inexperience and compete on a varsity level will determine how successful we will be.”

Another player to look out for this season is captain senior Brandon Cirbo. He plays outside hitter and has the most digs on the team.

“He [Cirbo] leads the team vocally and emotionally and always picks up the team when we’re down,” junior Alan Truong said.

League will start off tonight against rival Trabuco Hills at Trabuco at 5 p.m.