Friday, April 30, 2010
By Zane Franklin
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa boys volleyball team traveled to the home of the Peninsula Panthers to play a heated game of volleyball on April 22.
The boys volleyball team flat-lined the Panthers, winning the match in three games. Impenetrable defensive positions and unstoppable offensive plays facilitated this quick and triumphant victory.
The win added to Costa’s successful record. The Mustangs are now 19-1 for the season and 5-0 in the Bay League, making them first in their division.
The Mustangs will play in the Varsity Classic tournament today and tomorrow in Fisher Gym.
The Mustangs quickly took the game against Peninsula in three games with scores of 25-17, 25-12 and 25-19. Players who stood out on the court were seniors Dylan Ramey and Kyle Burgoyne along with sophomore Chris Orenic.
“Our playing was solid and everybody had a chance to do well,” Ramey said.
Costa jumped to an early lead by keeping its playing in sync. The Panthers’ offense did not have enough power to surpass Costa’s defense. The Panthers had trouble keeping the ball in bounds, which helped the Mustangs bring the game to an end. A strong block threw down Peninsula’s attempted kill, ending the game, 25-17.
“It was a match in which everybody got to play, and that is always very good,” coach Mike Ninnis said.
The Panthers served first in the second match but were quickly dominated by Costa’s senior players Waddell, Ramey, and Burgoyne. The Mustangs made scoring seem effortless when Orenic shot a fast kill down the middle of the court.
Peninsula’s defense was failing while Costa’s was completly solid. Orenic served the last serve of the game, and the Mustangs proceeded to end it, 25-12.
“We played pretty hard out there, and we had a lot of energy. It was a good game,” Orenic said.
Mira Costa started the third and final game with a serve, but failed to block the Panthers’ return. Shortly after, Peninsula missed its serve and tied the game.
The Panthers had trouble keeping the ball in bounds, but they stayed with the Mustangs throughout the game.
Peninsula’s defense finally came together, but Ramey hit a flaming kill down the middle of the court that knocked the defender off his feet.
“Dylan Ramey had an exceptional match as outside hitter; he really excelled,” Ninnis said.
The Panthers then set up what looked like a good offensive play, but Burgoyne shut it down with a strong block.
“We have a really strong senior class, and the whole team played well out there,” Ninnis said.
Peninsula upped its defense, but Costa showed no signs of slipping up. The game ended with a score of 25-19, with the Mustangs victorious.
“We feel that it will be a good tournament to prepare for the rigors of CIF. It should be a nice warm up,” Ninnis said.
Leave a Reply