Boys volleyball wins first CIF matchup

GOOD MATCH: Junior setter Tread Rosenthal (front) shakes a Mater Dei player’s hand after the Mustangs dominated the court for their first round of CIF. The team won in three sets, 27-25, 25-19, 29-27. Photo by Alana Frank/La Vista

By Ava Nicols

Sports Editor

After winning Bay League with a record of 10-0, the Mustangs won their first CIF matchup on Wednesday, 3-0, against Mater Dei.

“We came out with fire and determination, and it showed on the court as we secured a win over Mater Dei,” junior outside hitter Stone Seligson said.

Junior libero Zach Chapin waits for the incoming serve during the Boys Varsity Volleyball’s first game of the CIF playoffs. Costa defeated Mater Dei on April 26 at home.

With home court advantage, the Mustangs kept the Monarchs on their toes in the first set. A save off senior setter Jason Walmer’s leg, set by junior outside hitter Victor Loiola, and a kill by senior middle blocker Murphy Glasgow were some of the many plays showcasing the high energy on the court during the CIF game.

“This game was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” Seligson said.

Junior hitter Tread Rosenthal goes up for a kill against the Mater Dei Monarchs on April 26 at the Costa Gym. The Mustangs beat Mater Dei, winning 3 consecutive sets.

A hit from the right side by junior setter Tread Rosenthal tied the score, 25-25. An energetic crowd and serve by junior libero Zach Chapin set the Mustangs up as they took the first set, 27-25, with a kill by Seligson.

“The energy from the team and the crowd was high, and the connection was there on the court,” Chapin said.

According to Loiola, the Mustangs were fiery heading into the second set, taking the lead early on with the help of Seligson and Rosenthal’s quick hands. The Mater Dei Monarchs slowly crept back up on the scoreboard, but the Mustangs could not be stopped. An ace by Rosenthal and another put-away by Seligson helped the Mustangs take control of the court for the rest of the set, winning 25-19.

Junior Tread Rosenthal and senior Murphy Glasgow go up for a block

“Our next opponent, Huntington Beach, is a good team, but we’re confident that we can come out on top,” Seligson said.

The Mustangs headed into the third set, 2-0, with the advancement to the next round of CIF on the line. According to Seligson, the energy on the court as the team worked through each point helped keep nerves on the sidelines. Three back-to-back kills by Rosenthal, hits by sophomore Akea Gealon, and communication in the front row ultimately led to the Mustang win, 29-27, and
their advancement into the second round of CIF.

“We’re ready for whatever comes our way,” Seligson said.