LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Boys' Volleyball Growing but Faces Challenges


Reece Yamamoto #14 Photos Ohlen Alexander

Boys' volleyball teams in Lamorinda vary in experience. While Campo and Acalanes have been building their teams for the last several years, Miramonte's team is new after a four-year hiatus.

All three Lamorinda teams faced-off for the first time in league play last week. Campolindo came out on top, beating both Acalanes and Miramonte. The Cougars are undefeated in DFAL action (4-0) and boast a 27-2 record overall. Acalanes (2-3) defeated Miramonte (1-5) on April 19 in straight sets, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18.

Despite the new program, Miramonte head coach Daniella Inzerillo is impressed with the talent and diversity of her team. "Having such a mix of athletes playing this sport keeps it exciting and allows the team to grow every practice," Inzerillo explained. "We have basketball, soccer, tennis, and football players on the team that are all coming together to form a solid volleyball team."

The brand new Mats team faced the six-year strong, defending NCS champs, Campolindo on April 17. The Cougars jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Miramonte appeared intimidated, but after a few long rallies the Mats notched some points of their own. Still, Campo took the first set 25-8.

Miramonte"s energy increased in the second set. Campo jumped to an early lead again, but the Mats managed to come back to within one point. After Campo pulled ahead a second time, Miramonte senior Matt Ent served four consecutive points, bringing the score to 11-12. Miramonte could not hold on, though, and the more experienced Cougars surged, taking the second set 25-14.

The third set was a repeat of the first set, and Campo won the match 25-8, 25-14, 25-8.

Despite graduating six seniors last year, Campo head coach David Chen credits his experienced players with creating a solid foundation. "We have been very fortunate to have had a skilled group of athletes the previous year to stabilize our program," he said.

The program has had its growing pains, however. "They are enjoying the success of our previous athletes' struggles and heartbreaks," Chen explained. "Having our current players respect the success and the journey to get here, while still asking them to redefine themselves and take the program to a whole new level has been the biggest challenge."

Acalanes had a good turnout for their team this year. While the demand for a second JV team existed, the Dons could not obtain a second coach, and so were unable to utilize that talent.

Head coach Mason Mulvaney remarked on the wide variety of athletes that came out to play this year. "The talent is a mixed bag, I have some very experienced leaders of my team, Dan Inouye and Ben Savage are my captains, both are all-league players," he added, "I also have some new guys who are great athletes but are new to the sport."

Due to such differing levels of ability, results vary accordingly, but Mulvaney sees positive progress.

The rivals will match up again in May.