On May 9, the Aragon boys volleyball team (20-6 overall, 7-3 Peninsula Athletic League) lost to the Monta Vista Matadors (21-12 overall, 8-6 Santa Clara Valley Athletic League – De Anza)* in the California Coast Section Division I Quarterfinals in three sets with scores of 25-11, 25-12 and 25-14.
The Dons struggled in the first set, with Monta Vista serving for six consecutive points before Aragon could get a point in. Because of the Matadors’ height advantage and consistency, in the first 15 minutes of the game, none of Aragon’s hits could get through their blocks.
“[They had] a lot of soft blocks that we kind of just staggered back to get and because of this, a lot of energy was killed in the gym for our team,” said junior middle blocker Grendel Gardiner. “I think that morale just kind of cascaded into bigger problems for us later on.”
The Matadors held first seed in Division I and have made finals the last four times the CCS championships were held. The Dons found it difficult to respond to their oppressive offense, varied sets and strong defense — losing the first set 25-11.
“They just moved the ball around better than us,” said sophomore outside hitter Cameron Sears. “They [had] some plays that we haven’t seen before, so it was different from what we’ve played from other teams.”
“[Monta Vista had] a lot of soft blocks that we staggered back to get and because of this, a lot of energy was killed in the gym for our team”
In the second set, Aragon decided to mix up their blockers, putting junior middle blocker Lukas Peschke in the front instead of junior middle blocker Logan Wall. After the rotation change, the Dons were able to start utilizing their right side hitters more. However, Monta Vista won the set in the end.
“Their setter was really good,” Sears said. “He was able to trick us and move the ball around so that it was harder for our defense to know where to block or where to defend the hit.”
Compared to Monta Vista, Aragon’s sets were unsuccessful, as its setters rarely mixed up its plays: sets almost always went to the outside hitters, making it easier for Monta Vista’s middle blockers to predict. Because the sets were not always tight enough or far back enough, Aragon’s hitters were forced into tougher situations at the net where they would either get their hits blocked or miss the ball.
Aragon started off the third set down 6-4, narrowing the score gap between the two teams compared to previous sets. The Dons were able to add some adjustments, such as tooling from the outside, and improving the covers from their setters and sophomore libero James Diaz.
“That was like our last push,” Gardiner said. “We started off strong, … better than before. But then afterwards, I think some of our outsides kind of lost energy and [Monta Vista] took the lead. It was a rough loss but there’s a lot of highlights.”
The team believes it could have improved its rotations and defense.
“I think we [should make] smarter decisions for many different places: where to place the ball, where to set the ball, where to defend on the court,” Sears said.
Although the season has come to a close, the team has made history with its first CCS appearance in nine years, defeating Menlo-Atherton (15-10 overall, 8-2 PAL) in the CCS Division I First Round Playoffs. The Dons won in three sets of 25-22, 25-20 and 25-20.
Last season, the team placed second in the Ocean Division, barely missing qualification for CCS playoffs. This season, it has moved up to the Bay Division and Division I of CCS due to improved offense and team dynamics.
“We’ve done well in our offensive plays,” said senior captain and setter Michael Tun Zan. “Once … our offense [can run] off a good pass, we have … talented hitters … that really shine when they get a good pass. ”
The team’s chemistry has contributed to its success.
“The environment is … super welcoming,” Tun Zan said. “[That is important because] having such a good environment is just so important for how the team plays during our games. [That] communication … sets your team apart and sets you up for success.”
The team consists of players from varying grade levels, which also contributed to its positive environment.
“Usually, my sophomores are on the [junior varsity team], but this class is so talented,” said head coach Diean Hala’ufia. “It’s a nice group of kids that just enjoy playing.”
The sophomore players have been important to the team’s success.
“[They] have really learned a lot of leadership from our seniors and how to not get rattled,” Hala’ufia said. “They yearn to learn, so it’s fantastic.”
Though their last game against Monta Vista marks the end of the season for the senior players, the underclassmen and juniors are looking forward to next season.
“It’s fun being the young guy on the team because a lot of the … juniors and seniors act like older brothers to us,” Sears said.
*Records as of May 16
