For the first time in Avalon boys’ volleyball history the Lancers have advanced to the CIF Southern Section Semifinals where they will take on the Calvary Chapel Downey. The time and date was yet to be determined as of press time.
“I am really excited for this team, our school and community. I’m excited for this group of student athletes because it’s about them. I am just a backseat person and I’m really humbled, and I just want my kids to get the spotlight,” Head Coach Carlos Martinez said. “Because, at the end of the day, they’re the ones that put in all the hard work.”
Avalon entered the playoffs as the second-place team out of the Express League with a 23-11 overall record. But, they were the No. 6 team in the final CIF-SS Division 7 poll. They defeated La Mirada 3 sets to 1 in the first round, then swept St. Paul, 3-0, in the second round. The quarterfinal was their toughest challenge as they faced No. 3 Vasquez on a long road trip to Acton, California. But the Lancers took care of the Mustangs 3-1 to advance to the semifinals.
Martinez said that the Lancers don’t always get the recognition they deserve because they are from a small town and not a place where sports like volleyball flourish. That, he said makes this more special for the Lancer players, who have worked hard to get this far.
“A lot of times, our kids in Avalon get overlooked because we’re not from some big city. But there is so much great talent here in Avalon, and our kids should not be forgotten because they’re not from some big-name school,” Martinez said. “We have made a name for ourselves: that we have homegrown talent here. I’m proud of our kids and about how hard they’ve worked to achieve this goal. They are ready and want to play, they’re not ready to be done with this season.”
While the time and date are figured out, the semifinal match will be played at Avalon High. Martinez said that with the home crowd behind them, the Lancers will be tough to beat. He said he already knew this group of players were special, but he has been most proud of how they have fought and competed for every point. He said that their confidence has grown and they have developed a bond that helps them execute on every play.
“We fight till the end, and I’ve seen that growth throughout this year,” Martinez said.
Stat leaders so far:
Jacob Mello had 16 kills and 18 digs
Erick Madriz had 13 kills
David Mulgado had 12 kills 10 digs
Aaron Meza 43 assists and 3 aces
Nathan Jones had 4 blocks
Uriel Zavala had 31 digs
Calvary Chapel Downey is the No. 2 seed in the tournament, while the other semifinal has No. 5 Orangewood Academy facing No. 1 Ontario Christian.
