The boys’ varsity volleyball team defeated the previously undefeated Knights in straight sets, improving their record to 14-2, at Las Lomas on April 17.
The Cougars pummeled Las Lomas in the 1st set, winning by 10 points. The Knights came close during the 2nd set, trailing by only 3 points. The Cougars closed out the match in the 3rd set, 25-20.
According to the Cougars, this was their first significant test in league competition.
“It felt really good because it was our first very important game,” said junior setter Amir Aliakbari. “We feel it was a harder challenge.”
Senior middle blocker Jack Cole added, “They were some of the only serious competition that we knew we were going to have.”
Campolindo head coach Dave Chen said, “Las Lomas is a very good team. They’ve progressively gotten better over the years, and we match up well with them. The [Campo] team knows a lot of the guys on Las Lomas, [and] there’s a friendly rivalry between them.”
Chen noted how important working as a team was during the game. “We all expect balance,” said Chen. “We played with everyone. It’s hard when there’s only five people on the court, so a whole, everyone plays; it’s crucial.”
Aliakbari said it was truly a team effort, without dependence on any one player. “I don’t think anyone shined that game.”
Consistent with how the squad has operated all season, the victory was not flashy, but rather business-like. Cole added that it was “nothing spectacular. [We] just played another game.”
“As a team, we did really well helping each other and giving each other support, like if one of us misses a serve,” said Aliakbari. “It really was a team effort. It [the win] helps build up our chemistry.”
“Knowing that we beat them helped relieve any tension that we had about facing them again,” said Cole.
Chen added, “Any time you win, it feels good.”
The Cougars will face non-leauge opponent College Park on April 24.
