It didn
’t take long for the young Live Oak High boys volleyball team to
prove its mettle, especially when compared with their more
experienced predecessors from a year ago. On Saturday, this year’s
Acorn squad claimed the Bronze Division championship at the Leland
High Tournament. LO (5-3 overall) sque
aked through pool play, then won three straight matches in
single elimination play for the title. More importantly, the Acorns
one-upped last year’s team, which finished second in the Bronze
Division before going on to win another in a long line of league
titles and earn a Central Coast Section pl
ayoff berth. If Saturday’s effort was any indication, this
year’s squad could equal or better that accomplishment.
It didn’t take long for the young Live Oak High boys volleyball team to prove its mettle, especially when compared with their more experienced predecessors from a year ago.
On Saturday, this year’s Acorn squad claimed the Bronze Division championship at the Leland High Tournament.
LO (5-3 overall) squeaked through pool play, then won three straight matches in single elimination play for the title.
More importantly, the Acorns one-upped last year’s team, which finished second in the Bronze Division before going on to win another in a long line of league titles and earn a Central Coast Section playoff berth.
If Saturday’s effort was any indication, this year’s squad could equal or better that accomplishment.
First-year LO coach Keith Tungate said his team showcased a determined defense that is rapidly becoming its trademark.
“Again the defense was something to admire,” Tungate said. “Our overall defense from everybody was really good. I saw a few things we can work on but I also saw a lot of good things that I want to see more of.”
After struggling through pool play with a 1-2 record, LO advanced to division play and turned it on. In the quarterfinals, the Acorns downed Wilcox 25-22, 25-18, then won a three-game match against Lowell of San Francisco in the semifinals 15-25, 25-18, 15-12. In the finals, LO downed Harker 25-12, 25-19.
Tungate said the inspired play of Mike Lucarelli was particularly noteworthy.
LO (1-0 in league) plays at Hollister-San Benito today at 6:30pm.
