January 19, 2023
MVB Looking to go back to the Cal Pac Tournament - Season Preview
Westcliff Men's Volleyball returns will a high power offense looking to make a name in the NAIA. Last Season 2022 saw the Warriors finish the season with a record of 9-11, 7-4 record in conference. Warriors made their 1st ever appearance in the Cal Pac tournament. This season they are looking to go back.
Westcliff Men's Volleyball returns with a high-power offense looking to make a name in the NAIA. Last Season 2022 saw the Warriors finish the season with a record of 9-11, 7-4 record in the Cal Pac conference.
Warriors made their 1st ever appearance in the Cal Pac tournament. This season they are looking to go back.
We sat down with Head Coach Alex Griffiths about the different dynamics of this team compared to last season.
"Our Coaches are looking forward to the new players being incorporated to the roster for this season. Excited for the new additions to the team. Our goal is to win. Starting with the Cal Pac Championship and then follows into the NAIA national championships."
MVB have some high goals just like every team in the nation. This season Westcliff have a lot of impact players to help them out.
Freshman- Gabriel Pizza: will bring a 6 rotational ball control dynamic for us
Freshman- Freddy Alvereti: will bring physicality to the pin.
Freshman- Pawel Tuz: will bring a faster & more dynamic offense this season for us.
Transfer- Ilias Lazaar: well seasoned experience & background will help solidify our ball control as well as add another threat from all locations: front row, back row, and service line.
Warriors have some top new talent but they will also have some seasoned veterans returning back on the squad.
John Rzepniewski- Returning starting middle will bring his physicality to our block and offense.
TJ Meyer- Returning libero will bring direction & consistency to the service reception line.
A lot of Warriors to look out for this season. We asked Coach Griffiths who is selected to captain this type of team?
"The name that was picked and selected was Gustavo Marquez due to his work ethic and his lead by example mentality. He will help set the tone to never be satisfied until the job is done."
Now that we know who is on the team, let's look at who the Warriors will be playing this season.
Westcliff will be facing some tough non-conference schedule. Taking on some NCAA divison teams UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego and CSUN.
The Warriors will also be facing a lot of teams ranked in the NAIA Top 15 list.
Along with facing #2 Benedictine-Mesa and (RV) UC Merced in their conference schedule.
Westcliff also have on the schedule #4 Vanguard, #5 William Penn, #8 Menlo, #8 Park and (RV) Missouri Valley.
"We are looking forward to our whole season. We have intent to compete consistently at the highest level we possibly can, so we scheduled top teams from division 1 to naia top competitors." - Coach Alex Griffiths
This Men's Volleyball team has greatly improved from last year's squad. "We have more depth & have brought in players to help accomplish the main goal.
We had time to really recruit and find athletes that are representing the mens program well and we can see that with them by starting the year with the beach national championship."