Zach Dashner (#20) goes up for the kill. Teammates Alex Mangels (#24) and Ethan Stevenson (#17) also pictured. Photo Doug Kohen
Campolindo boys' volleyball players started their spring break on a high note. The Cougars swept Acalanes 3-0 in Lafayette on April 2nd.
Campolindo led the entire first game. The Dons kept it close the whole way, but multiple errors gave free points for the Cougars, keeping them in front. The Cougars took the first set 25-15.
In the second game the Dons stepped up their effort while the Cougar offense struggled to begin. Campolindo's hitting was not as strong, but was made up for by consistent play from the back row. The Cougar effort was aided by freshman libero Bryan Lee and junior outside hitter Jason Lee, recent transfers. Lee led all players in the match with seven kills.
Despite errors from both sides the Cougars managed to take game number two, 25-14.
Game three played out similarly to the first two. Acalanes trailed by two points for most of the match, never losing its composure. Junior outside hitter Dylan Blackstone used his height to tip a ball over the net for a Cougar point, getting the offense moving. Campo went on to score seven times in a row, and cruise from there as they took the final game, completing the sweep with a 25-12 win.
Following the match Campo coach Dave Chen, who is also a Campo graduate, remarked, "We played alright; we did what we needed to do. It was kind of hard playing in Acalanes' gym."
After a miserable season just two years ago, Campo slipped into the playoffs last year before losing to nationally-ranked Northgate. Chen is looking ahead to the playoffs this season, "We have to play well for the postseason; we're in control of our own destiny, so we'll just wait and see."
On the other side of the net, Acalanes coach Brad De La Fuente noted the defensive effort was lacking. "Our passing was alright. Passing was the best part, we couldn't pick up balls and Campo could. Also our transition defense was slow," said De La Fuente.
Both teams will return to action this week with the Dons hosting Alhambra and Campo hosting Dougherty Valley.
Zach Dashner (#20) notches another hit against Acalanes. Scott Stranding (#10) and Bryan Lee (black shirt) also pictured. Photo Doug Kohen
Campolindo led the entire first game. The Dons kept it close the whole way, but multiple errors gave free points for the Cougars, keeping them in front. The Cougars took the first set 25-15. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA