Photo by Tucker Judkins
Online Managing Editor
With the spring season looming, boys’ varsity volleyball returns to the gym to begin its search for a league title.
The team has been jumping and squatting in the gym while preparing to reenter the Rio Hondo League and seek revenge against the La Cañada Spartans, who narrowly edged South Pas out of a championship title last season. Despite losing key back line players, the team hopes to continue its league dominance behind the leadership of seniors Matt Scholtz and Gunther Vaden.
Months of dormancy has stirred the competitive spirit of returning players, who will seek to maintain South Pas’ status as a volleyball powerhouse.
This is my third year playing varsity level, and the pressure to perform well consistently is definitely present,” said Vaden.”But at the same time, it also motivates me to work as hard as I can and to help my teammates do the same.”
The Tigers hope to control the pace of play again this season with their intricate combo sets and ability to spread blockers. However, South Pasadena will need to reconstruct its back line following the loss of many graduated players. Scholtz and Vaden have stepped in as backline subs to help stabilize the young group.
As the Tigers navigate preseason, they intend to improve their serve reception and passing game in order to fully utilize the skills of Scholtz and Vaden. South Pas’ ability to do so may have major implications in league play and its ability to reach CIF.
We intend to sweep through the league and make a deep CIF run,” senior Lucas Fox said.
The team will face the Cathedral Phantoms in its second preseason game of the season on Tuesday, March 7. South Pas defeated the Phantoms when the two schools met last March.
