Improvement could drive Prospect to volleyball title
By Dick Sparrer
Improvement has been the key for the Prospect boys volleyball team through the years. And it's because of that improvement that Prospect coach Rod Carlson thinks that this could be the year his Panthers win it all.
"This is our fourth season with a boys volleyball team," said Carlson. "Each year we have gotten better, and our goal this year is to win the Santa Teresa Division of the BVAL and go to CCS."
It just could happen for the Panthers if they continue to show the improvement they have in the past.
Prospect was a dismal 1-20 overall and 1-13 in league in the first year of the program in 1998. But the Panthers improved to 9-18 and 7-7 in '99 and to 14-8 and 9-3 last year.
This year, Carlson hopes that his Panthers will take the next step.
"Branham is probably our biggest competition in league," said the coach, whose squad opens league play this week at home against Pioneer March 13, 6 p.m., and at Branham March 15, 6 p.m.
Seniors Ryan Sainsbury, Chad Holan and David Najima lead the Prospect attack.
Sainsbury, a 6-foot outside hitter, is a comeback all-leaguer for the Panthers. Holan is a 6-foot-2 middle blocker and Najima is a 5-foot-9 outside hitter.
Sophomores Bryan Ronalter (a 5-foot-11 middle blocker) and Ryan Najima (a 5-foot-9 outside hitter) are other top prospects for the Panthers.
Prospect is off to a solid 4-0 start this season, including wins over Willow Glen, Leigh and Mountain View last week.
Holan hammered home 10 kills in a 15-10, 15-11, 15-7 win over the Rams.
|
Saratoga, California Since 1955
