Boys’ volleyball fails to close out league opener

Photos by Alicia Alderete
Associate Photography Editor

Boys’ volleyball suffered a defeat at the hands of Temple City on Thursday, March 22, in a five-set game that ended in a 3-2 score. Consequently, the squad’s overall and league records fall to 12-6 and 0-1, respectively.

The Rams grabbed an early lead in the first set despite strong efforts from the Tigers, including a solid kill from senior Kanak Belgaum. The Tigers remained composed and began to narrow the deficit with a spike from senior Cole Schroeder. Later, South Pas gained the advantage with a block from senior Maxton Lam. However, the Rams responded immediately, tying the game, and the gravity of each play increased: for the majority of the set neither team held a lead of more than one point. Unfortunately, in the dying moments, the Rams surged ahead of the Tigers and emerged victorious 25-22.

Frustrated by their shortcomings, the Tigers entered the second set with a renewed sense of urgency, with Schroeder scoring in the opening seconds of the set. South Pas was hitting on all cylinders, easily pushing ahead of the Rams thanks to brilliant blocks from senior Reno Goudeau and a pair of consecutive aces from sophomore Hanwul Choi. At the end of the set, the Tigers attained a 25-19 victory. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost momentum in the third set and lacked strong serves. The third set followed the course of the first, with the Rams again winning 25-22.

Choi gently bumps the ball to set up an extended play.

Fortunately, the Tigers regained their composure as they quickly built a lead in the fourth set. Temple City came startlingly close to eliminating the advantage towards the end, but South Pas remained ahead thanks to powerful spikes from Lam and junior Paul Pan. When it came down to the fifth and final set, the game could have swung in the favor of either team, but the Rams retained control in the final moments, taking the set and match.

Boys’ volleyball will participate in the Sage Creek Tournament on Saturday, March 24.

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