September 20, 2023
The Best is Yet to Come as Warriors Start Strong
By Francisco Claudio
It was all beach vibes and fun times at the Orange County Great Park on Tuesday morning as the Westcliff men's beach volleyball team started their season.
The Warriors competed in their first game against the Long Beach All-Stars and scored their first win, 3-2.
But it wasn't smooth sailing as the Warriors were pushed to three sets in two games which proved to be the deciding factors.
This was all part of head coach Fernando Sabla's master plan to challenge his team against good opponents all season long in order to prepare for nationals.
"Part of what I wanted to do was recruit the best players in Orange County whether they're professionals, still qualifiers, or open level to come and challenge this group so we could see how we measure up," Sabla said.
Doubles No.4 made up of Andy Jaszczynski and Mickael Massaki lost their game 21-10, 21-13.
Doubles No.5 Pawel Tuz and Lukas Pusvaskis also fell in straight sets, 21-12, 21-15.
Doubles No.2 Tom Dempsey and Kajus Mazuronis had a marathon match as they were able to prevail in three sets 26-24, 13-21, 15-13.
Doubles No.3 Gabriel Pizza and Tyler Brossard made quick work winning 21-15, 21-18.
Finally, there was only one left that would determine the winners of the day.
Doubles No.1 Ilias Lazaar and Jacob Titus lost the first set but came back to win 11-21, 21-17, 15-10 to help the Warriors get the dub in the season opener.
"Today was so good," Sabla said. "Our 1s, 2s, and 3s pairs really rose to the challenge and played their hearts out.
"Our 4s and 5s pair which I knew would have a hard time playing that level of volleyball, never gave up. What we're trying to do now is raise them to that level. We're going to see what they were lacking so next time we play a team like that they'll be a little bit more comfortable and play at that level."
Westcliff will get a rest day as they will be back at the courts on Thursday morning to play against the OC Riot at 10AM.
Sabla was very pleased with the result and the attitude of his team and looks forward to the momentum they gain after each win.
"Most of all, we want to show up with the confidence that regardless of who's on the other side they can play and be themselves," Sabla said.