The Aliso Niguel boys volleyball team opened up their pre-season with a game against Capistrano Valley High School on Feb. 22.
Aliso stuck it through the whole game with winning on their minds. The boys were able to finish each set with a win. The final score of the game was 3-0 with Aliso taking home the win.
The second game played for Aliso was against St. Margaret’s High School on Feb. 23. It was a close game for the boys, but the game ended in a loss for Aliso with a final score of 1-2.
Aliso went up against Corona Del Mar High School on Feb. 23. The boys played tough throughout the game and consistently challenged the ball each time it went over the net. However, this was not enough for the boys and they ended the game with a loss against Corona Del Mar with a score of 0-2.
Aliso went up against Junipero Serra Catholic High School twice. The first game was played on Feb. 24. The boys lost to Jserra with a final score of 0-2. The next game against Jserra was played on Feb. 27. The boys went in with determined mindsets, but lost again with a score of 3-1.
The boys played Edison High School on March 5. The game was tough for the boys and Aliso suffered a loss of 0-3.
On March 12, the Aliso Niguel boy’s volleyball team started the league with a game against Trabuco Hills High School.
At the start of the game, Aliso led, winning the first two sets of five against Trabuco Hills. In the third set, Trabuco was able to win by just a few points. Gradually, Trabuco Hills gained their momentum and won the following two sets. The final score of the game ended with a 3-2 loss to Trabuco Hills.
Losing the first game of the season sets the challenge for the entire team to work hard and surpass their goals.
In preparation for this season, the team practiced once a day. Each practice involved lots of cardio to get the boys into game shape.
The boys volleyball team captains this season are Cage Gonzalez (12) and Aryan Phatak (12).
When asked about any important upcoming games the team is looking forward to, Phatak responded, “One of the games we’re looking forward to playing is against San Clemente. It is always a challenging and competitive match.”
Along with being one of the captains, Phatak is a setter for the team. He states that as one of the captains, “leading the team feels incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. It is an honor to guide and motivate my teammates both on and off the court.”
The boys have their goals set high and hope to play in CIF.
Another three-year varsity player, Trevor Curameng (11) states, “I hope we make it to CIF and if we don’t lose early, I hope we can win it all and become CIF champions.”
