So much for the big early challenge to the Live Oak High boys
volleyball team
’s preeminence in the Tri-County Athletic League. For the second
straight TCAL match, the Acorn boys brushed aside another supposed
contender for the league crown, downing visiting Monterey 15-25,
25-12, 25-20, 25-21 on Wednesday.
So much for the big early challenge to the Live Oak High boys volleyball team’s preeminence in the Tri-County Athletic League.
For the second straight TCAL match, the Acorn boys brushed aside another supposed contender for the league crown, downing visiting Monterey 15-25, 25-12, 25-20, 25-21 on Wednesday.
Last week, Live Oak beat Palma in three straight games in its league opener. Both Palma and Monterey were expected to be contenders for the league’s top spot.
After a slow start that saw them lose the first game, the Acorns got back into the same groove they started last week and continued into last weekend’s Leland Tournament, where they took the Silver Division title by winning five of six matches against top-notch comp-etition.
According to Live Oak coach James Uthes, the Acorns came out a little sluggish but gave the Toreadores credit for fine early play.
“(Monterey) did everything right and came out strong,” Uthes said. “But in the second game we went with a different serving plan and we served them tough. In he first game, Monterey was hitting really well so we adjusted our blocking scheme in the second game.”
Behind the play of junior Ryan Newcomb, who led the team with 15 kills, seniors Cameron Bassett and Mike Strokis, who both had nine kills, Dan Adams and Ryan Siebert, Live Oak took control of the match.
In addition, 6-foot-9 senior Chris Deem toughed out a shoulder injury to contribute several key plays.
Live Oak (2-0 in league, 10-3 overall) hosts Hollister-San Benito on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
LO boys tennis
Relying on its strong doubles play, the Live Oak High boys tennis team upset host Salinas 4-3 on Tuesday.
The Acorns (5-3 in league) received a lone win from No. 2 singles player Chris Laskodi, but won all three doubles matches. The teams of Ryan Alexander and Erick Macias, Robbie Ferrando and Tad Christopher, and Kayvon Kheymendooz and Jacob Haim all emerged victorious for Live Oak.
Laskodi’s match culm-inated the overall match and gave the Acorns the victory.
After winning the first game 7-6 (7-4), Laskodi dropped the second 2-6 before recovering to win the third and deciding game 6-2 and give his team the overall victory.
LO rugby
The Live Oak High School rugby team returned to its winning ways, defeating Aptos High School 29-7 in Aptos last week. Stalwarts Zach Frates and Miguel Ayala returned to the starting lineup at 8-man and inside center respectively. The two seniors contributed greatly in shutting down Aptos’ defense.
Live Oak led 10-0 at the half on two unconverted tries by sophomore wing Dustin Muhn and senior scrum half Brian Crane. The second half saw continued domination of Aptos by the Live Oak forward pack. Senior props Marcus Rosevear, Mike Gamez and Gabe Sedberry proved too strong for the overmatched opposition. Junior lock Dustin Vertin added another hard-earned try and Crane rounded out the scoring with two conversions. On the day, Muhn scored 15 points on three tries and Crane totaled 9 on one try and two conversions. Vertin finished with 5 points.
This Sunday, March 28, the Live Oak ruggers travel to Sacramento for the 5th Annual PelicanRef.com High School Tournament. The squad opens against East Bay power De La Salle High School at 12:20 p.m., in the Junior Varsity bracket followed by Vacaville High School JV at 2:50 p.m. They close out pool play against Rio Americana High School JV at 5:15 p.m.
