A Day for Recognition and Camaraderie for the Warriors

By Francisco Claudio

 

There were lots of smiles and laughter at the OC Great Park's beach courts as the Westcliff men's beach volleyball team hosted the Long Beach All-Stars on Tuesday morning.

 

There were members from all the different sports programs, administration, and the Westcliff University staff present to watch the Warriors get the victory, 3-2.

 

"Duals are fun because you can have two teams lose and three teams win their matches and you win the dual," head coach Fernando Sabla shared afterwards. "Our top three teams are strong, so for them it's about playing start to finish with the focus they started with. 

 

"The 4's and 5's have the potential to be very good also, so for them it's about us as coaches providing them with the opportunity to learn and get more game management experience so it clicks for them."

 

But the celebrations went beyond what played out on the beach courts because everyone in attendance was in the presence of beach volleyball royalty, Jake Gibb.

 

Gibb is a 4x beach volleyball olympian, won on the AVP 34 times, and seven times internationally in the best competition in the world, the FIVB.

 

"The primary reason was because he wasn't an all American in college or prep star," Sabla said, on the impact Gibb's had. "He was someone who worked himself to that level. He did the work when no one was watching.  

 

"He was accountable to his goal and dream. Like he said today, 'I've been where you've been.' He gives hope to players that if he can, maybe I can too."

 

The Westcliff Athletics Department recognized Gibb for everything he's accomplished and done for the beach volleyball community over the course of his career.

 

It was a successful day for the Warriors who were celebrating their Blue and Gold game which is a tradition that is planned for every Westcliff's sports team.

 

"The cheer squad brought a level of energy that we haven't had, their energy and enthusiasm was felt by our WU athletes and competitors," Sabla said. "It was awesome."

 

 

Doubles No.1 (WU) DJ Klasnic & Ilias Lazaar won 21-13, 21-17. They continue to dominate since reuniting after Klasnic was away from the team. The confidence of this pair is always at a high and so is that sky ball serve of Klasnic. Watch your heads!
 
Doubles No. 2 (WU) Jacob Titus and Gabriel Pizza won 23-21, 21-14. Pizza continues to be one of the most vocal leaders of the group cheering on not only his partner but everyone. all the time.
 
Doubles No. 3 (WU) Kajus Mazuronis and Tom Dempsey won 21-16, 21-17. They have not lost as a pair but were tested a couple of times in three-setters early on.
 
Doubles No. 4 (WU) Tyler Brossard and Andy Jaszczynski lost 19-21, 21-19, 13-15. This is the first time this team has paired up this season and were just a few moments away from walking away with the victory during their match.
 
Doubles No. 5 (WU) Michael Schoffstall and Michael Howell lost 21-14, 19-21, 10-15. This pair are fighters who are determined to get stronger as the fifth pair.

 

The Warriors will continue their preparation for the 2023 AVCA Fall Collegiate League Championships that will take place in Huntsville, Alabama at the beginning of November.

 

They have an overall record of 4-1 this season with three more matches left in their schedule.

 

 

Monday, October 16, versus CEV at 6PM.

 

Thursday, October 19, versus Orange County at 10AM.

 

Tuesday, October 24, versus South Bay at 10AM.

All matches will take place at the OC Great Park located in Irvine, California.